Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Around 50 visitors including students on excursion, women, men, and some staff members were injured when the swarms of ‘Aage Mohol’ honeybees (dangerous species) attacked tourists at world heritage Ajanta Caves, on Friday afternoon, near Caves No. 4, 9, 19, and 26. The sudden attack was reportedly triggered by intense heat, which forced the bees out of their hives. The agitated swarm began stinging visitors present in the area.
Taking the situation seriously, Manoj Pawar, the conservation assistant of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI, Ajanta sub-circle), swung into action. “As a precautionary measure, tourists were restricted from entering the affected cave areas for nearly an hour. Entry was allowed only after the bees settled back into their hives, “ said Manoj Pawar.
Some of the injured received first aid at the ASI office, while those with more severe stings travelled by private vehicles to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The sudden incident created a panic among visitors for some time.
Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near Caves No. 4, 10, and 26, where around 20 tourists were stung by bees. Over the past few days, such attacks have been on the rise at the caves complex, raising concerns among visitors, who are now demanding a permanent solution from the authorities.