Protest stalls anti-encroachment drive in Sarnath

Varanasi, May 5 (UNI) Public protest stalled the Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) drive to demolish encroachments near the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath today.

Official sources said Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had recently identified 19 constructions as encroachments under its rules pertaining to non-construction in 100 metre radius of an ASI protected property -- the Chaukhandy Stoop.

The ASI had sent the list to the district administration for further action, following which a team comprising VNN and Varanasi Development Authority officials reached the spot for demolishing the encroachments.

However, following protests the officials had to return without any action.

UNI ARS VS RSC SY VV1928