HC directs repairs of Ajanta caves

Mumbai, Sep 20 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today issued notices to the State Government, Union Government, Aurangabad Collector and the Archaelogical Society of India to ensure the repairs of a cave at Ajanta that has developed water seepage problems.

A division bench, comprising justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde, was hearing a suo moto public interest litigation initiated on the basis of an article published in a daily newspaper on September 9 highlighting the pitiable condition of the caves that depict our ancient culture and heritage.

The court also directed the authorities to file an affidavit within three weeks, submitting the steps that will be taken to restore and maintain these caves.

The newspaper article has also mentioned the initiatives taken by a retired IAS officer for restoration of the caves but was told by the ASI that lack of funds was preventing the restoration work.

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