The director of archaeology and museums, state, has issued a stop-work notice to the builder carrying out excavation work near the Magathane caves.
Anita Rane-Kothare, a historian and professor from St Xavier’s College, has been fighting a lone battle to save the sixth century caves from encroachers. However, recently, a builder who is planning a skyscraper in the area started excavation work within 100 metres of the caves. He had all the requisite permission as the site was not listed as protected monuments.
Talking to
DNA, Rane-Kothare said, “It is too late but I hope that the matter of restoration of the caves is taken more seriously.”
When contacted, Ashok Monani, the developer and partner in Ekta Shakti, said, “We have received the notice and have asked the department as to under what section and law they have asked me to stop the work. I am yet to receive a reply from them.
“The collector had come to the site for verification and allowed us to continue with the work. They [archaeology and museum department] can only decide whether the area is protected or non-protected. They cannot interfere.”
However, the order, passed on October 31, does not state the act or law and only mentions that the earlier permission given by them stands cancelled.
Meena Joshi, director, archaeology and museum, said, “I have not gone through all the details as I have taken over recently. I will look into the matter.”
