Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the ASI sanctioned Rs4 crore to protect and maintain the caves over the past six years. Of this sum, Rs2 crore was spent this year alone.
The Mandapeshwar caves in Borivli have fallen into a state of disrepair though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has spent crores of rupees for their upkeep.
Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the ASI sanctioned Rs4 crore to protect and maintain the caves over the past six years. Of this sum, Rs2 crore was spent this year alone.
The Bombay high court had in August 2005 formed a committee and issued directives to initiate work to restore monuments in the city. Accordingly, 80% of funds have been allotted for special repairs. But the caves are in a shambles.
The RTI query also revealed the money was spent merely on fencing off the area around the monument, removal of grass, cleaning, photo and video documentation, and providing staff watchmen. Despite this, anti-social elements find refuge in the caves.
Raja Bunch, an activist who filed the RTI query, said, “The money sanctioned does not justify the work that has been carried out. Garbage and plastic waste are still strewn around. The fences have been erected recently, and only now have small steps been taken to maintain the ancient structure.”
The ASI, maintains that all is well. “We have cleared and repaired the site. The hillock was covered with heaps of debris,” said superintending archaeologist MS Chouhan.
Land ownership issue
To add to the disarray is a three-acre plot around the caves. The land where the Mandapeshwar caves stand is owned by IC Church. But the ASI intends to beautify the barren land and build a tourist centre there. The Church trust has been demanding that it should be compensated for the land.
“We should be compensated or be given TDR [Transferable Development Rights],” said Father Franklyn Mathias, Parish Priest of IC Church.
Chouhan said: “Any heritage property has to be protected even if it is owned by a private owner. We haven’t received any compensation demands yet.”
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