Twitter
Advertisement

Retired official unable to build Panhala home

After undergoing a spinal cord surgery, Dr Kshitij M Kulkarni, a former scientific officer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), had hoped to retire and settle at his soon to be constructed bungalow in Panhala.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

After undergoing a spinal cord surgery, Dr Kshitij M Kulkarni, a former scientific officer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), had hoped to retire and settle at his soon to be constructed bungalow in Panhala.

But Kulkarni’s plans went awry due to the recent amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010, (AMSAR) that prohibits construction of any kind within 300 metres of protected monuments.

Kulkarni said “After taking VRS, I wanted to construct a house on the said open plot and live rest of my life with my mother and wife at Panhala. However, I was not granted the permission.” Kulkarni had submitted an application for permission of construction as required under the relevant laws on February 24, 2010, along with plan of the construction to the municipal council in Panhala.
Two days later they reverted back saying that no construction can be carried out unless a no-objection certificate is obtained from the archeological authorities.
Thus, Kulkarni moved the Archeological authority, which also refused to give the required permission. Advocate Dhairyasheel Sutar, appearing for Kulkarni, said “The effect of the said AMASR act has come in to force from March 29, 2010, hence no new permission for construction can be granted within the prohibited area. But as the petitioner has submitted the proposal on February 24, 2010, therefore the municipal council, should have granted permission without referring it to the archeological authorities for NOC.

Sutar further added “The proposed construction is situated within 250 meters of the border wall of the fort. As per the amended AMASR Act the competent authority can grant permission for construction within regulated area.”

According to the act which came into force on March 30, 2010, the first 100 meters around the monument is prohibited area where no mining or construction can take place. While the other 200 meters is regulated area. The permissions have to be taken from a competent officer of the department.

However, Sutar said “No heritage bye laws have come into existence, no monument authority has been constituted. Even for repair and/or renovation if one has to seek permission from the Competent Authority, no procedure and/or machinery is in existence. Thus people like Kulkarn are in dark as to within what time frame the competent authority, by laws, national monument authority will come into existence and when the permission, if at all, required would be granted.”

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement