Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
There are four access roads leading to the world-famous Ajanta Caves. However, only the route passing through the shopping plaza has been kept open. The Guide Association has demanded that all four routes be reopened. Following an alleged assault by vendors, tourist guides are continuing to assist visitors at the caves in an atmosphere of fear.
President of the Tourist Guide Welfare Association, Bharat Joshi said the shopping plaza falls under the jurisdiction of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). He stated that MTDC should reopen the four previously closed routes, as there is no rule mandating a single access road. “Those who wish to shop may do so, but others should not be forced. Vendors often follow tourists from the parking area to the caves and back, pressuring both tourists and guides to visit shops. Tourists are lured, surrounded, verbally abused and even pulled towards shops. This has been happening for years and is adversely affecting tourism. The government should intervene,” he said.
The association said it has no objection to voluntary purchases by tourists, but harassment at a heritage site is inappropriate. It plans to submit a memorandum to the police authorities, MTDC, the tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India. If no action is taken, guides may stop working at the caves, Joshi added.
President of the Ajanta Guide Association, Rahuldev S Nikam condemned attacks and verbal abuse against guides, stating that tourists should be allowed to move freely without being compelled to visit the shopping plaza.
Photo caption: Ajanta Guide Association president Rahuldev S. Nikam guiding foreign tourists at the Ajanta Caves.