At least 30 injured in bee swarm attack at parking of Ajanta Caves

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: At least 30 tourists, including a few visitors from Sri Lanka, and some Archaeological Survey of India staffers suffered minor injuries after a swarm of honeybees attacked them near the parking area of the Ajanta Caves around 4pm on Tuesday. Several of the injured were taken to a private hospital in Fardapur for treatment.Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said a troop of monkeys had climbed a tree in the parking zone where a beehive was located, likely disturbing the bees. "A swarm spread across the parking area and stung people present there. Some tourists rushed into their vehicles for cover, while others sought refuge in nearby shops," Manoj Pawar, conservation assistant with ASI, said.According to officials, the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves are particularly prone to honeybee activity during the summer months, and visitors are advised to follow safety instructions. "We urge tourists to avoid using strong deodorants, body sprays or perfumes while visiting these monuments, as strong fragrances often attract or provoke bees," Pawar said.Wildlife expert Ashish Joshi said the rock formations of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, along with the surrounding native trees, created a favourable habitat for honeybees. "Tourists should adhere to ASI's precautions and avoid carrying strong odours. Additionally, no kind of smoke should be generated in these areas, as smoke can trigger bee aggression," he said.Incidents of bee attacks have occurred at both cave sites in the past. The forest department previously undertook efforts to relocate large beehives from the area to reduce such risks.