Humayun tomb link road:Delhi yet to respond to ASI conditions

New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to give its final go-ahead for construction of the controversial tunnel road linking NH-24 bypass to Lodhi Road near the Humayun's tomb, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Replying to questions, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said the ASI had okayed the Delhi government's proposal for the roadlink but with certain conditions.

As the Delhi government was yet to respond to the conditions, the no-objection certificate has been kept under suspension, she said.

''No alternate proposal has also been recieved by the ASI,'' she stressed.

The ASI had earlier withdrawn permission to the Delhi Government for construction of the link road as it was seen as a threat to the Humayun's tomb, a World Heritage Site.

The proposed corridor was expected to come up at 340 metres from the tomb.

After examining the proposal, the ASI found that construction of the underground road did not violate any of the statutory provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and also will not affect the structural stability or conservation of the monuments protected by the Survey, official sources said.

However, it imposed certain conditions on the movement of earth moving equipments, disposal of the excavated earth and the distance which should be maintained from the protected monuments etc.

The Delhi government was yet to give its response to the conditions, the Minister noted.

UNI