ASI souvenir shop plan near Ajanta Caves faces heat from vendors moved 4km away in 2002 over pollution fears
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shopowners who operated near the Ajanta Caves before being relocated nearly 4km away in 2002 over pollution concerns have strongly opposed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s plan to establish a souvenir store at the foothills of the Unesco World Heritage Site, trig
By Prasad Joshi
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shopowners who operated near the Ajanta Caves before being relocated nearly 4km away in 2002 over pollution concerns have strongly opposed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s plan to establish a souvenir store at the foothills of the Unesco World Heritage Site, triggering a major controversy.The land in question, owned by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), had been temporarily allotted to ASI for limited use, including setting up an office and a garden.The Ajanta Caves Handicraft Business and Area Development Association, which represents the relocated shopkeepers, has written to MTDC urging authorities to maintain the current arrangement to protect the heritage site, in line with the 2002 policy decision. “We complied with the authorities’ directive in the past and shifted our businesses after officials cited provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The proposed ASI plan is likely to increase the use of plastic and disposable items among tourists, leading to more waste, pollution and environmental damage around the caves.
This would defeat the very purpose of relocating shops in 2002,” association president Parindra Pal Singh said.Singh said reopening commercial outlets near the caves could severely impact the livelihoods of around 60 shopowners who were relocated, affecting many families.While the association claimed that multiple shops and a cafeteria were planned at the site, ASI officials clarified that only a souvenir store was proposed.
Manoj Pawar, ASI’s conservation assistant for Ajanta Caves, said, “Souvenir stores are planned at 11 major monuments across the country, including Ajanta, Ellora Caves and Bibi ka Maqbara in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.”He said, “A centralised tendering process was conducted, and a private agency has been selected by ASI headquarters to operate these outlets.
The stores will sell monument-themed souvenirs.”ASI said work on the Ajanta store had been temporarily halted following the association’s complaint. “MTDC has sought an explanation from us.
We have in turn asked for guidance from ASI headquarters in Delhi.
A decision will be taken after receiving further instructions,” Pawar said.MTDC regional manager Yogesh Nirgude did not respond to TOI query on the issue till going to the press.The Ajanta Caves, a world-renowned complex of 30 rock-cut monuments dating back to the 2nd century BC, attract visitors from around the globe.Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
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