ASI responds to questions from BVHA

In the recent meeting with A.R. Siddiqui at Jugal Kishor temple in Keshi Ghat, BVHA delegates asked that the right to information requests sent to the Agra office of the ASI be responded to. Today, after a long wait, the following answers were given in a letter received today:

Reply from the Archeological Survey of India, Agra under the Right to Information for the construction of the half circular flyover in front of the Kesi Ghat.

(1) Was the No Objection certificate sought from the ASI before starting the construction of the bridge?

Ans. The NOC was not taken from the Archaeological Survey of India before constructing the bridge.

(2) How far is the bridge from the ASI protected Jugal Kishor Temple?

Ans. It is within the 300 meter area from the ASI protected monument.

(3) What actions did the ASI take when the information on construction of the bridge came to its notice?

Ans. We asked the concerned department to stop the construction of the bridge as soon as it came to our notice and we wrote letter to the local administration requesting them to stop the illegal construction.

(4) Is the construction permissible under the new law of the regulated area of ASI?

Ans. As per the law there can’t be any construction with the Ariel distance of 100 meters. The construction can be permitted within the regulated area with some conditions if the concerned person or agency applies in the prescribed format.

Sd/- Anil (Central Public Information Officer)

Also, it should be noted that in PIL 36311, stopping the cutting of trees, the Court extended the time for filing a counter affidavit by a further period of four weeks from July 13. The interim order shall remain in effect till further orders.