Bee relocation operation starts at Ajanta Caves; two ASI staffers injured during exercise

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The forest department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started a bee relocation operation at the Ajanta Caves, a Unesco World Heritage Site, on Monday after repeated attacks on tourists, including foreigners. The exercise aimed to safely remove a large swarm of bees from cave number 4 at the site, during which two ASI staff members received minor injuries from bee stings. The operation marked the beginning of a larger initiative to protect visitors from bee attacks at the site, famous for its ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and intricate artwork. Deputy conservator of forests Suvarna Mane said honeybees at Ajanta Caves were relocated in a scientific manner. "Utmost care was taken to ensure no harm to the bees during the operation. The bees were then relocated to far off locations as bees are known for movement in their habitats up to 100km," she told TOI. Forest department officials said a rescue team groomed by Sanjay Marne, a retired forest official from Pune, was also expected to arrive at Ajanta Caves by Thursday.The ASI circle in-charge for Ajanta Caves, Manoj Pawar, said cave number 9 and 10 would be covered during the next phase of the operation. "The cave number 10 has a maximum of six beehives. This cave witnessed the maximum bee attack on tourists," he said. The ASI officials said beehives were located at high levels in different caves, making the operation a challenging task. "We have to raise scaffolding made of bamboo and metal pipes to reach the height where beehives are located," Pawar said.Earlier, ASI pointed fingers towards the forest department following bee attacks on tourists. On June 6, ASI wrote to the forest department seeking help in the relocation of the bees. Honorary wildlife warden for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Dr Kishor Pathak said Ajanta Caves needed to be closed for a few days for tourists till all bees were removed. "We also need to introspect as to why the bee attack on tourists has suddenly increased at Ajanta Caves. There is no check on the number of tourists visiting the site. Perfume and body spray used by tourists also disturb the honeybees," he added.