ASI demolishes 20 illegal structures near protected monument in Delhi

New Delhi, Sep.21 (ANI): A team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday demolished 20 illegal structures around the Bijay Mandal, a centrally protected monument in Begampur, Malviya Nagar in the national capital.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi Circle, New Delhi demolished the illegal structures under the supervision of Muhammed K. K., Superintending Archaeologist, who was assisted by other officers and staff.

"The land mafia encroached the valuable land in protected and prohibited area of the monument and had constructed a large size four-storeyed building being used as boys' hostel with dozen of shops at the basement beside slums which were constructed for monetary benefit," Mr. Muhammed informed.

"In the beginning the owner of unauthorized construction protested with local leaders but with the help of Police the illegal construction was demolished. The cooperation and assistance extended by police was remarkable," he added.

Before the demolition, the ASI served several letters i.e. show cause notice, final notice and demolition order to remove illegal constructions from the protected and prohibited area of the Centrally Protected Monuments. But it had no impact on the owner, Shri Jagan, he further stated.

It is worth mentioning here that there were so many complaints and Right to Informations requests against this unauthorized construction made by his own neighbours and relatives about this property, he informed.

The ASI proposes to conserve the monument and landscape the entire area. (ANI)