Allahabad HC asks ASI,Centre to apprise of illegal construction

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday directed Central government and Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) to apprise it on action taken against illegal constructions /encroachment around archaeological monuments in Uttar Pradesh.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr DY Chandrachud and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the above order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Manoj Chaudhary of Meerut.

Petitioner's contention was that in 2010 central government framed rules to regulate raising of constructions near archaeological monuments. However, as per information collected by petitioner through RTI Act,there were about 1694 illegal constructions around 6 archaeological monuments in Agra circle but demolition orders has been passed against 174 illegal constructions only.

As per information collected by petitioner, there were 108 illegal constructions around Taj Mahal but demolition orders had been passed against only 9 constructions. Likewise, around Agra Tomb there were 130 illegal construction but demolition orders had been passed in only 20 cases. Court has granted 6 weeks time to ASI to take appropriate action in all the cases and file an action taken report on next date of hearing.