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Even as the state government proposes to increase tourist footfalls at 200 monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with events and light-and-sound shows, a plan announced in the Union Budget last year to restore parts of the Elephanta Caves is yet to take off.
In the Union Budget last year, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced a slew of measures for the restoration of world heritage sites in the country. For the Elephanta Caves, Mr Jaitley had talked of landscape restoration, signage and interpretation centres, parking, access for the differently-abled, visitors’ amenities including security and toilets. He had also proposed to provide the resources to start work.
A year later, only a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Submitted about three months ago, it awaits clearance from the ASI for work to begin.
“We have included one ropeway from the bottom of the stairs to the top. We will be renovating the (toy) train and will cover the promenade. We have also proposed renovation of the jetty and minimum facilities such as toilets and drinking water,” Parag Jaiin Nainuttia, managing director, MTDC, said.
While the Elephanta Caves is under ASI jurisdiction, most of the land is under the forest department, which means two sets of permissions are needed to provide amenities and carry out restoration work.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...article8291648.ece?homepage=true?w=homemumbai
