Ajanta & Ellora Caves likely to get enhanced infra, amenities & security, depts told to work in tandem

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district are expected to have additional infrastructure and amenities along with better surveillance soon.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisional commissioner Jitendra Papalkar has directed all govt departments to work in tandem to resolve different issues associated with these two Unesco World Heritage Sites for the benefit of domestic and international tourists.Chairing a review meeting recently involving top officials from different departments and some of the other stakeholders, pressed for quick steps to make tourists' experience at these heritage sites more pleasant and safer."The key issue highlighted during the meeting was the inadequacy of the pollution-free bus service. This is operated by the state transportation during the peak tourist season for the four-kilometer stretch between the Ajanta T-Point and the base of the Ajanta Caves. Consequently, tourists are often compelled to return without visiting the caves. To prevent this inconvenience, the state transportation has been directed to deploy additional e-buses," Papalkar said.He said instructions have been issued to the Public Works Department to urgently repair the damaged road along the route from the T-Point to the base of the caves, and directed the Forest Department to periodically trim the tree branches overhanging the roadside."Additionally, directives were issued to install CCTV cameras at the Ajanta T-Point Shopping Plaza and the Ajanta Guest House in Fardapur to ensure the safety of tourists. Authorities concerned have been asked to take immediate measures to ensure the availability of water—both for drinking and general use—during the summer season at the Ajanta View Point, Ajanta Tourist Rest House, Vihara Cafeteria, Ajanta Caves Cafeteria, and the Ajanta Visitor Center located at the foothills," he said.As regards to Ellora Caves, instructions have been issued regarding the establishment of a police outpost by the Police Department to protect tourists from hawkers within the Ellora Caves complex. "Directions have been given for the removal of encroachments by street vendors along the route from the Ellora Caves to the Grishneshwar Temple, and the expedited completion of an alternative road to facilitate smoother traffic flow," Papalkar said.District collector Deelip Swami said the necessary funds for arranging drinking water, electricity, and road infrastructure within the Ajanta Caves complex would be made available through the district planning and development committee.