Won't allow Delhi Metro Near Qutab Minar but okayed construction near a heritage site in UP

NEW DELHI : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is investigating how a Thai agency was allowed to construct a wall close to a heritage monument in Uttar Pradesh.

             

               As per its guidelines, no new construction is permitted within 100 metres of a heritage site (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959).

               On this basis, it barred the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) from building an elevated corridor near the Qutab Minar.

                The corridor was meant to connect the national capital to Gurgaon, a satellite town in Haryana.

                 Permission was denied even though DMRC's proposed corridor was supposed to be 500 metres away from the heritage monument.

                 But the rule was relaxed in Srawasti, one of the major centres of Buddhism in the 6th century.It is located about 150 kilometres from Lucknow.

                  Following a complaint from Superintending Archaeologist (Lucknow circle) S N Kesarwani, the ASI has launched an inquiry to find out how and why the Thai agency was allowed to construct the boundary wall.