The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has sought a reply from Archaeological Survey Of India for constructing a toilet block within the protected area of the 15th century Ahmed Shah Mosque complex, among the earliest buildings in the city.
Interestingly, ASI is the watchdog for ensuring there are no illegal constructions in the perimeter of any protected monument. It is also the issuing authority for NOC for any construction within 100-300 meters of the protected site.
The mosque complex is one the 28 ASI protected monuments in Ahmedabad, India’s first World Heritage City, and hold special significance as the mosque of the city’s founder.
The letter dated Dec 26 pulls up the ASI for construction of a 4×10 meter structure on the ground floor. Undersigned by Ramesh Tadvi, deputy TDO (Central), AMC, it demands details of the construction plan, estimate copy and budget allocated for the same.
“We have not received any formal reply yet. Mid-level officials at work stated that the construction was being carried out by ASI itself. As such, no permission was required. However, clearing the plan for any construction in the city requires AMC’s approval,” he added.
Insiders at ASI shared that the toilet block construction was being funded under a Central government scheme to provide basic amenities at protected monuments.
When contacted, mosque committee member, Shaikh Ismail stated that construction stood halted at the behest of AMC.
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