Gujarat finds 170 new heritage sites

Ordinary people concerned about the upkeep of Gujarat’s heritage monuments have reported to the state archaeology department around 170 sites for conservation, most of which were hitherto unknown to the department. Chief among these are the remains of a 17th century fort built by Shivaji at Rupgadh in the forests of the Dangs district, and the chattri (umbrellas) at Vadali in Sabarkantha.

The sad part of the story is that the state archaeology department, whose total budget for conservation is just Rs10 lakh, does not have enough money for all the new sites. Only the lucky few will get some funds for repair and restoration work. In a bid to involve heritage lovers in the conservation of the state’s heritage sites, the state archaeology department had launched two schemes last year. Under the schemes, some monetary and technical help was promised to individuals, NGOs, and others who wanted to repair, conserve and monitor the condition of any heritage site.

Under the schemes, the department offered Rs2 lakh to Rs5 lakh as grant for the repair and maintenance of forts, step-wells, temples and other heritage sites.

People’s response to the schemes has been overwhelming. The director of the state archaeology department, YS Ravat, who started the schemes, said that the department had received applications for the repair and conservation of around 170 structures and sites.