Plan for canopy over statues overshadowed by ASI amendment

KANPUR: It is a case of two government establishments -- Archaeological Survey of India and Ministry of Tourism -- clashing over in what seems like a mixup.
Ministry of Tourism through its order dated July 6, 2010 announced construction of a canopy over the statues of Nana Rao Peshwa, Azimulla Khan and Tatya Tope, along with a boundary wall and slopping channels, at Nana Rao Park.But, an amendment enforced by ASI on March 30, 2010 could prove to be a stumbling block. The amendment in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 calls for a prohibition on any construction activity within 100 m of the monument and need for permission to be sought by National Monuments Authority (NMA) for work within 200 m.
Further, the state government has been asked to execute the project through UP Rajkiya Nirman Nigam Ltd. However, under the amendment, even the state government cannot embark on construction activity, alter or repair anu protected monument without prior permission of NMA.
On being questioned on the issue, district tourism officer, Rajendra Prasad said, "We would ensure that no such construction is carried out within the limits of prohibited or regulated area." However, the DTO was unaware about the latest amendment in the act.
It's not as if only the tourism ministry's plans are in trouble. With a ban on construction around any of the protected heritage monuments situated in and around Kanpur Nagar and Dehat, residents of these areas are also facing problems. These include those residing in Civil Lines, Kacheri Cemetery, Chunniganj Cemetery, Bheetargaon Temple and Baheta Gaon.
The villagers living in the vicinity of Bheetargaon Temple and Baheta Gaon have been restricted from adding to or removing any portions of their dwellings. A similar dilemma is faced by offices and houses situated near Kacheri Cemetery and Chunniganj Cemetery.
The ASI officials admitted of being flooded with complaints by the public, but mentioned that drafting of bylaws could provide an alternative. Superintending archaeologist, ASI, C P Mishra, when contacted in this connection, said, "The bylaws are being drafted in relation to the amendment in the Act. Once they get implemented, there would be clarity about how the constructions or repair around the prohibited area would proceed. Till then, those residing in the protected area (100m radius) of the monuments cannot raise any construction while in regulated area, they may undertake construction, repair or alteration, only with the permission of NMA."
"We have been apprised about the problem being faced by the inhabitants following the amended act. And it's not the problem of one town or area, the complaints and grievances have been coming from across the country. As such, the construction activities have frozen causing inconvenience to the public. But we are sure that some solution would be sought for this," said Mishra.
Presently, it is evident that if ASI has its way, the proposed beautification of Nana Rao Park -- which has been declared a protected monument by ASI -- would remain a distant dream.