Rafique Aziz
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
In a proactive move to safeguard heritage monuments under threat from multiple disasters, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Aurangabad Circle, is set to adopt a holistic and collaborative approach to draft a heritage management plan. With expert participation at the core of the strategy, ASI aims to create a sustainable, cost-effective, and ecologically sensitive plan that ensures the long-term protection of monuments under its care.
Superintending Archaeologist Dr Shiv Kumar Bhagat said, “We are preparing a comprehensive heritage management plan that will not only be cost-effective and implementable but will also preserve the sanctity of the monuments, and protect the flora and fauna within the premises.”
“To gather valuable inputs and insights, the ASI is hosting a symposium-cum-workshop on World Heritage Day (April 18) at Daulatabad Fort. The workshop will feature contributions from a range of specialists, including the District Disaster Management Officer (District Collectorate), the Chief Fire Brigade Officer (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation), the Conservator of Forests (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), the Wildlife and Environmental faculty and experts. Together, these stakeholders will help shape disaster response strategies against threats such as fire incidents and honeybee attacks. Their suggestions will be compiled and included in the management plan, which will be forwarded to the ASI headquarters (New Delhi) for approval and further action,” said Dr Bhagat.
Tracking threats in Real-Time
With increasing instances of honeybee attacks at world heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the ASI is working closely with the Department of Forest (DoF) to devise a safe and permanent solution that respects the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In the meantime, on-ground staff have been tasked with closely monitoring bee activity.
“If there’s any sign of threat, tourists are immediately moved inside the caves and only allowed to exit once the situation normalises. In addition, tight visitor screening is now in place at Daulatabad Fort, following a previous fire incident. Conservation assistants Manoj Pawar (Ajanta Caves) and Rajesh Wakalekar (Ellora Caves), Sanjay Rohankar (Daulatabad Fort) are actively overseeing safety protocols to prevent recurrence,” pin-pointed Dr Bhagat.
Box 1: ASI’s Immediate Action Plan
Install caution notices at key points across Ajanta, Ellora, and Daulatabad Fort to alert tourists.
Display emergency contact boards at all ticketed monuments.
Collaborate with the Weather Bureau for temperature forecasts during April–May to prevent heat-related incidents.
Preserve natural water bodies on the fort campus.
Seek support from the GSDA (Groundwater Survey and Development Agency) to study water table patterns and enable solar-powered water extraction during emergencies.
Box 2: Experts suggest external help
According to an anonymous expert, “It’s surprising and concerning that the Department of Forest expressed its inability to address the honeybee menace at Ellora and Ajanta due to the absence of dedicated staff. Hence, ASI should approach Ankit Vyas, a member of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Mumbai, who is known for his work relocating honeybee colonies across the city. Pune’s beeman - Amit Godse, also specialises in safe and scientific beehive relocation through trained personnel and sustainable practices.