Elephanta Caves: UNESCO site suffers from neglect

Gharapuri island, known for its 1,500-year-old Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, witnesses tourist footfalls running into lakhs, but it appears that basic amenities and even access to the island continue to be substandard.

With no tourist help desk at the Gateway of India, visitors depend on private boat operators for guidance. Not only is the journey is slow and uncomfortable, but it's also unsafe, with life jackets, if any, stocked out of sight. "There are no ramps or railings for support, and even physically fit tourists find it difficult to climb the steep steps to the caves. Most of them just sit there, unable to continue," said Ida Braggs, who has been guiding groups of foreign tourists at the site for 13 years.

"Toilets and drinking water are major concerns here. I advice my group to carry water from the city and store it in their bags over fear of monkeys," said another such guide Naveen Yadav.

Though just 10 kilometres off Mumbai, electricity reached the island only in February this year, and refrigerators stocked with cold drinks are a recent addition. For those unable to climb the steep stairs, the alternative is to sit in wooden palanquins, which cost Rs 2,000 for 120 steps.

Archaeologist Kurush Dalal said a lot needs to be done for the caves and the island as a whole. With various government agencies involved in the island's administration, the ensuing bureaucratic mess results in inaction and disregard for the world heritage site. "The least the government can do is keep the place plastic-free and run public campaigns instructing visitors about the rules they need to abide by," he said.

The state government does have plans to promote homestays on the island and to promote facilities such as eco-toilets, tents, heritage centres and an ampitheatre.

TOURISM CAVES IN

• The Elephanta Caves were recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. The island sees an approximate footfall of 7 lakh visitors annually.
   
• The first attempt towards conservation of the over 1,500-year-old rock carvings was in 1909 by the British.
   
• It’s located on the Gharapuri Island, which is located 10 kilometres from the city.
   
• In Borivali, the  Mandapeshwar Caves gave refuge to Buddhists, Brahmins, Portuguese and even soldiers during the First World War.
   
• The ASI, which controls the site, only barricaded it 2 years ago