Action demanded against illegal shed being built on Vishalgad!

Department of Archeology writes to Shahuwadi Tehsildar

Kolhapur (Maharashtra) : The Assistant Director of Archeology Department Dr Vilas Vahne has written to the Shahuwadi Magistrate that ‘Vishalgad is a State Protected Monument. A complaint has been received from the Shivdurg Conservation Movement that Murad Muhammad Mujawar is setting up a tin shed illegally for slaughtering chickens. Hence as the Taluka Magistrate, as well as to avoid breach of law and order, appropriate legal action should be taken against Murad Muhammad Mujawar who erected the tin shed’.

(Is the Archeology Department oblivious to the encroachments on Vishalgad? Or is it their policy to act only after someone complains? Is it surprising that fans of heritage monuments demand that this apathetic department be shut down! – Editor)

1. Rule No. 8 (a) of the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules of 1962 prohibits any actions which may cause damage to any part of the protected monument. 8 (a) also prohibits the preparation and consumption of food in the monument premises. (Killing animals and cooking food has been a routine activity in Vishalgarh. Why hasn’t this rule been exercised till date? – Editor of DSP)

2. 8 (d) No article can be sold there without the authorisation and permission of the Archaeological Officer.

3. Hence, appropriate action should be taken against Murad Muhammad Mujawar, who erected a tin shed in the protected area of the state protected monument.

Editorial Comment!

The Archeology Department always seems to be keen on closing the stable doors after the horses have bolted!