BHUBANESWAR: Even as archaeologists and conservationists have been raising concerns over anthropogenic factors posing threat to the safety of twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, no concrete measures have been taken up till now.The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had earlier raised alarm over encroachments and the manner in which development activities have been taken up around both the hills.ASI’s superintending archaeologist for Bhubaneswar circle, Ashok Patel said the growth of population coupled with heavy vehicular traffic around the monuments cause damage to the structures.There are 33 rock cut caves in both the hills. While 18 are there in Udayagiri, Khandagiri houses 15.He said because of vibration caused by heavy vehicle movement adjacent to monuments, there is deleterious effect on the brittle stones.In view of this, one of the major decisions taken last year was closure of the road running between the two hills to vehicular traffic. The Tourism Department had planned to put up spectacular gates at the start and end points of the 500-metre-long road connecting NH-5 and Ghatikia to bar vehicles.It had been decided that all kinds of heavy vehicles would be stopped from entering the road and only pedestrians be allowed to go near the heritage site. However, no such step has been taken so far. While heavy vehicles continue to ply on the road, a section of road in front of the Khandagiri caves is used as the parking lot for the tourist buses. The road has also been encroached upon by vendors and shop owners.Although the Municipal Corporation was asked to construct a vending zone for roadside vendors and collect fees from them, this has not been done yet. “We have sent proposals to the government time and again to facilitate closure of the road for beautification works and safety of the structures. Even shops in front of the caves give the caves a shabby look and these need to be removed,” said Patel.On the other hand, sources in both the General Administration and the Tourism Departments said no such notifications had reached them. Sources in the General Administration Department said the ASI had not yet submitted any plan for closure of the road. “Since it is ASI property, it is their responsibility to decide upon closure of the road. Besides, there is a procedure and the ASI has to tell us how they plan to close the road and what are the alternative arrangements. We can only act after they come up with a proposal,” he said. Besides, there are no amenities worth the name for tourists. There is just one lavatory which is ill-maintained and there are no proper drinking water facilities.
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