Ancient baoli under siege

A 13th-century monument in the congested lanes of Mehrauli has attracted the attention of the Delhi high court. Protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Gandhak ki Baoli is an ancient stepwell dated to the reign of Sultan Iltutmish (1211-1236 AD). However, new construction around the monument is not only blocking its view but also endangering the structure.

Earlier this week, the high court pulled up the South Delhi Municipal Corporation and Delhi Police for rampant illegal construction around the baoli, one of ASI's prized protected monuments. Justice Manmohan was shocked to learn that unauthorized constructions have mushroomed in the area despite ASI's repeated requests to seal and demolish them. "Someone is pulling wool over our eyes. How can there be further unauthorized construction despite there being a sealing and demolition order?" Justice Manmohan said, summoning the local SHO and the municipal officer concerned for an explanation.

The amended ASI Act prohibits construction within 100m of a protected monument and restricts construction within 101-300 m. However, TOI found a lot of construction work in full swing. There's a half-built two-storey building adjoining the baoli. Across the road, a new floor is being built on a residential building. Further away, in the regulated zone, construction work is rampant.

The monument itself is in a dismal condition. There's a garbage dump behind it amid a large number of jhuggis. There's new construction almost on top of the baoli's boundary wall. TOI found no guard at the site.

The HC lashed out at the civic agency, saying it should have taken "special care" to prevent unauthorized construction, more so when the court is monitoring the menace of illegal construction in that area. The court was taken aback by the pictures shown by petitioner Ashok Kumar Soni, who alleged that police and the corporation had refused to act even after he drew their attention to the problem.

The court had earlier directed ASI to take appropriate action on Soni's petition, and the authority had ordered the corporation to seal and demolish the unauthorized constructions.

"This is a massive construction. There are over 100 people here. You can't mobilize so many people overnight...this material must have come in trucks. What is the SHO of the area doing?" the court said, asking the SHO to file an affidavit. It warned the municipal engineer concerned, who was present in court: "If this is beyond your control, we will get another AE to do it" and directed him to be present again on July 7.

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