Vegetation on Big Temple tower being removed using chemicals

After learning that these granite gopurams, which fall under the UNESCO world heritage site, have turned blackish due to erosion over time and the dirt deposited due to the growth of vegetation, the ASI, which has heard the plea of the HR and CE which proposed to organise the consecration of the temple due since 1997. To remove these dirt and growth and also to protect the structures from erosion chemical cleaning is needed to be done periodically. The previous cleaning was done in the year 2011. As per the scheduled cleaning works, the old brick flooring on the ‘praharam’ is being replaced with new bricks. While the chemical cleaning has been initiated not only to the gopurams but also to the 216-feet-high vimana on the sanctum. The work commenced from the Maratha entrance which is the first entrance of the temple.

The workers started the process on Thursday from the entrance. Initially, the structures on the ground, including the stucco and stone sculptures, would be cleaned using soft coir brushes, said an official. 

Subsequently, other portions will be cleaned using Ammonia solution and non-ionic detergents.

“After the cleaning, anti-fungal and water-resistant coats will be provided respectively. This water-resistant coating would be a silicon based polymer,” he added.