The Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi (ASI) and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) have decided to sign an MoU aimed at restoring all centrally protected monuments in the state, including Pataleshwar caves, Shaniwarwada, Ajanta Ellora, Bhaja Caves, among others.
One outcome of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) could be replacing the lights at Shaniwarwada with LED lights, as officials feel the lights being used now are harming the health of the monument, generating heat and insects, which may affect the structure in the long run. Biodegradable toilets in Ajanta Ellora and other steep structures will also be planned apart from tourist facilities like approaches, signages, ramps and wheel chairs for people with disabilities.
As per the proposed MoU, MTDC will provide funds to ASI for monument restoration and infrastructure development and also provide manpower to execute such works under the supervision of ASI. The MoU would apply to all monuments that come under ASI in Maharashtra.
Senior ASI authorities told TOI on Friday that they are looking forward to the tie up, which aims to develop tourist facilities in and around centrally protected or ASI monuments of Maharashtra, and that the proposal has already been sent for approval to the Union ministry of culture.
TOI had reported in July this year that a state delegation headed by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had proposed an MoU with ASI to maintain and preserve ASI's monuments, but nothing had come of it then.
"Tourists are currently facing some inconveniences during visits to monuments in Maharashtra, such as lack of toilets, no facilities for people with disabilities (PwD) such as ramps, wheelchairs and the like. Maharashtra government had earlier come forward with a proposal for an MoU, because developing facilities at monuments will benefit tourism. They wished to receive ASI's cooperation in developing tourist infrastructure," said a senior ASI official from Delhi.
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