M A I N   N E W S

Damage to Ajanta, ASI to shut down caves for visitors
Shiv Kumar/TNS

Mumbai, August 7
In about a year's time visitors to the historic caves at Ajanta will have to satisfy themselves gaping at the replica of the ancient monuments as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) prepares to shut down the four major caves at the historic site to tourists.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is preparing to throw open the replica of the ancient caves by April next year. "The replica will be part of a major tourism complex which will have museums, mini-theatres and food courts," says Sanjay Dhekane, Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) which is developing the project.

The Maharashtra Government is spending Rs 90 crore on the project which is part of a major conservation exercise to preserve the caves, Dhekane said.

Scientists from the Archaeological Survey of India have recommended the closure of the caves to the public because of the increase in carbon dioxide inside caused by the movement of people which damages the paintings.

According to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Ajanta and the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra receive nearly 4 lakh tourists every year.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation officials say attempts are being made to make the replicas look as close to the original caves as possible. These will be made using the same rock on which the original caves have been carved out of.

Funding for the project is coming from Japan which has a programme to preserve Buddhist sculptures in different parts of India.

Under the scheme of assistance from Japan a visitors centre is also being constructed at Ellora caves nearby, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation officials say.