Proposing solutions to protect, preserve, renovate and restore relics and artifacts at Pho Quang Pagoda

Regarding the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda (Xuan Lung Pagoda) in Lam Thao District, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued Document No. 4839/BVHTTDL-DSVH to the People's Committee of Phu Tho Province proposing solutions to protect, preserve, renovate and restore relics and artifacts at Xuan Lung Pagoda, Xuan Lung Commune.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requested the People's Committee of Phu Tho province to assign functional agencies and local authorities to direct and implement urgent and long-term measures.

Specifically, the People's Committee of Phu Tho province assigned the functional agencies and local authorities to implement a number of urgent measures such as: It is necessary to promptly assess and conclude the cause of the fire to clarify responsibilities; strengthen the protection and preservation of other relics in the whole province; continue to assess, count, and protect to the maximum the structures and components of the remaining relics.

Image of Pho Quang Pagoda after the fire was extinguished by authorities on the morning of October 23.

For architectural works, it is necessary to cover the works, note that the tarpaulin should not be stretched directly over the architecture because the structure of the works is already very weak. For the National Treasure of the Stone Buddhist Altar, it is necessary to immediately take measures to inventory the fallen and broken pieces of the altar; number, code and have a solution to safely preserve all these broken pieces; clean up all the pieces of tiles and broken bricks that have fallen above the altar; fabricate a hard frame to cover the entire Altar (note that there is space for air circulation, avoiding the phenomenon of heat and humidity in the frame).

For the system of worship statues, do not move the artifacts. For fallen artifacts, carefully reposition the artifacts. Fabricate a steel mesh frame with a hard roof above to protect the artifacts, ensure ventilation for the artifacts, and avoid causing heat and humidity. Urgent measures should be proposed soon, considering the suitability and synchronization with long-term preservation and restoration solutions in the future.

The stone Buddhist altar ( lotus stone pedestal) had a broken corner after the fire at Pho Quang pagoda.

Regarding long-term measures for the National Treasure of the Stone Buddhist Altar and the system of artifacts, it is necessary to study and evaluate the material structure scientifically , carefully and thoroughly to propose solutions for preservation and restoration (consult and get opinions from experts with relevant expertise).

In addition, propose solutions to restore and renovate relics to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law on cultural heritage, in accordance with the wishes of the people and local authorities.

Bao Thoa

Source: https://baophutho.vn/de-xuat-giai-phap-bao-ve-bao-quan-tu-bo-phuc-hoi-di-tich-di-vat-tai-chua-pho-quang-222106.htm