The construction of first floor on the plot adjoining Manek Burj has raised concerns regarding illegal construction near historical monuments.
The construction of first floor on the plot adjoining Manek Burj has raised concerns regarding illegal construction near historical monuments. The building, in question, falls within 100 metres radius of Ahmed Shah mosque which is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument.
Dhansing Rajput has constructed first floor on the same plot where he had a small hut. Despite ASI putting up a notice asking construction to be stopped near heritage locations, it is going on.
AM Agharia, senior conservator at ASI said, "No new construction can take place within 100 metre of a centrally recognised and protected monument of national importance. This rule has been framed so that heritage monuments are not damaged in any way."
He added, "Construction is only allowed within a distance of 200 metres of the monument leaving the inner circle of 100 metres. Citizens should take permission from ASI, get an approval before they begin construction activity."
Agharia added, "We had issued a written letter to the owner in August 2010 asking him to stop construction and obtain a no- objection certificate (NOC) from ASI. But construction still goes on and the building, today, stands tall with a private hoarding on the roof available for rent.
When asked why ASI didn't take action against the builder, Agharia said, "When ASI issues notice to the concerned owner, a copy of it is sent to the collector, municipal commissioner and deputy municipal commissioner. So, all the AMC officials are aware of this development and also have the power to seal and demolish such construction, but unfortunately, the civic body has taken no action," added Agharia.
When contacted, the civic body retorted that the central body should have acted immediately and informed them in time. Municipal commissioner Guruprasad Mohapatra said, "ASI should have been more proactive in informing us instantly about such a development so that we could take action. I was not aware about this issue, but I'll definitely look into the matter."
Quite unaware of the developments, Rajput said, "I received such a letter long back but I know that my property does not fall in the 100 metre radius of the mosque."
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