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Article in Mid-Day dated March 24, 2005:
HC concerned over Mumbai's caves.
Concerned over the encroachment at historic caves in
and around the city and suburbs, the Bombay High Court
has asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and
the state government, about the steps being taken for
the conservation of these heritage monuments dating
back to the fifth century AD.
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The division bench of Chief Justice Dalveer Bhandari
and Justice S A Bobde have asked the authorities to
file a reply by April 20, 2005, on the state of five
caves - the Elephanta caves, the Mandapeshwar caves
in Borivali, Kanheri caves inside the Borivali national
park, the Jogeshwari caves and the Mahakali caves in
Andheri.
The court's orders have come after a public interest
litigation was filed by Bhagwanji Rayani.
Rayani has asked for an expert committee to monitor
the conservation and preservation of the ancient caves.
"The various government agencies like the ASI, tourism
department and the BMC shirk responsibility and pass
the buck to each other," said Rayani.
Under the Ancient Monuments and Remains Act 1958, whosoever
disfigures a historic monument is liable to be imprisoned
for three months and fined Rs 5,000.
The petitioner pointed out that the government rarely
penalises miscreants. Picnickers have desecrated the
caves, encroachers have built homes in them and illegal
activities like brewing illicit liquor and drug dens
are rife. Rayani has sought a restoration fund for the
maintenance and upkeep of the monuments.
"Our ancestors have left a beautiful legacy for us.
However, instead of maintaining them, we are intent
on destroying them," added Rayani.
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| What
ails Mumbai's caves? |
Mandapeshwar
caves, Borivali
What: Seventh century rock-cut caves also known
as Mount Poisnar.
A Shiva temple inside the main cave and the Portuguese
church on top, were carved out of the Buddhist caves.
The plague: Encroachments and garbage surround
it. Sculptures have been disfigured and the caves are
in ruins. Beggars and vagrants have a free run of the
place.
Kanheri Caves, Borivali national park
What: 109 majestic Buddhist caves, built between
the 1st century BC and the 9th century AD situated inside
the park.
The plague: Many of the caves and sculptures are
in ruins. No signage or information about the caves at
the site. Lack of security means picnickers and graffiti.
Jogeshwari Caves
What: Fifth century caves and the first rock-cut
caves built by Hindus.
The plague: Encroachments, illegal structures and
white ceramic tiles that have been plastered all over.
Slums and garbage dot the top of the caves and the caves
themselves are used as a toilet. Water seepage is also
destroying the caves.
Mahakali Caves, Andheri
What: Fifth century Buddhist caves where the stupa
is now worshipped as a lingam.
The plague: Graffiti, encroachments and constructions
within 100 metres of the structures in violation of rules.
No security or signage.
Elephanta Caves
What: Seventh century rock-cut Hindu caves located
on the island of Gharapuri also called Elephanta. It's
an UNESCO heritage site
The plague: Poor conservation. Picnickers have
a free run and graffiti dot the caves. Inadequate security |
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