Between January 2010 and June 2021, a total of 1118 show cause notices were issued and FIRs filed in matters pertaining to illegal construction around protected monuments in Vrindavan.
Vrindavan, 2022-04-25 (Vrindavan Today News): An RTI filed by Vrindavan-based activist with the Archaeological Survey of India, Agra has revealed that between January 2010 and 22 June 2021, a total of 1118 show cause notices were issued and FIRs filed in matters pertaining to illegal construction around protected monuments.
Further, notices for the demolition of 283 illegal structures were issued by Sr. director ASI New Delhi, and DM Mathura was directed to act against another 110.
According to Public Information Officer Dr. Vinay Kumar Gupta, the Superintending Archaeologist Office Agra had in a letter to senior director ASI, New Delhi requested permission for issuing of orders for demolition of 849 illegal structures under section 38/1 and other 247 under section 38/2 of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
In response to the request, ASI sr. director issued orders for demolition of 283 illegal constructions, while DM Mathura was directed to act upon 110 others.
Meanwhile, ancient and protected monuments in Vrindavan are under constant threat of encroachment and destruction at the hands of land mafia, builders and colonisers, acting in connivance with administrative officials.
Just days prior, taking cognizance of the petition filed against illegal construction in the protected Madan Mohan Temple zone, the Allahabad High Court has sought explanation from MVDA and ASI as to why permission was granted for the same. The Development Authority had granted permission for 1180 illegal constructions to be carried out in the ASI protected Madan Mohan Temple premises. On the other hand, only 150 illegal structures were demolished by its order
