ASI books trader for illegal construction near protected Chandrapur temple

The Archaeological Survey of India has registered a case against a trader at Chandrapur City police station for unauthorised construction within the protected area of the historic Mahadev, also known as Muralimanohar, temple in the Gol Bazar area of Chandrapur. The action was taken against Monish Shambhunath Kevalramani of Deshbandhu Saree Centre.

The temple was declared a centrally protected monument of national importance under a notification issued by the Government of India on 11 April 1925. Under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (amended 2010), the area within 100 metres of the boundary of a protected monument is treated as a prohibited zone, while the next 200 metres is treated as a regulated zone. This means no construction whatsoever is allowed within the 100-metre prohibited zone, while construction within the 200-metre regulated zone beyond it requires prior permission. The law bars any excavation or new construction in both zones without prior permission from the competent authority.

According to the complaint, Kevalramani had started new construction just 103 metres from the temple, that is, within the regulated zone, without taking any permission from either the Archaeological Survey of India or the National Monuments Authority at Sion Fort in Mumbai. When this came to notice, the Chandrapur sub-divisional office first issued a notice, followed by a show-cause notice from the Nagpur circle office. However, Kevalramani ignored these notices and continued the construction, according to the complaint filed by Shubham Ramdas Kore, senior conservation assistant, Archaeology Sub-Division, Chandrapur.

After repeated notices failed to stop the construction and it became clear that the law had been clearly violated, the archaeology department finally filed a written complaint with Chandrapur City police station. Under the guidance of station in-charge and police inspector Nishikant Ramteke, a case was registered against accused Monish Shambhunath Kevalramani under section 30(B) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (amended 2010). This section provides for imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both, for unauthorised construction. Further investigation has been assigned to police constable Deepak Bhaskar Gurnule.

The archaeology department has warned that similarly strict legal action will be taken against anyone found carrying out illegal excavation or construction near historic and national heritage sites in future.