Stone Vessel Discovery at Ramtek’s Gad Mandir Complex Enhances Heritage Significance A significant archaeological find has emerged at the historic Ramtek Gad Mandir complex in Nagpur, where a large half-buried stone vessel was uncovered during renovation work. The artifact, believed to have been used for storing water, was discovered a month ago by a laborer involved in the project. The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the site’s historical importance, particularly as it is associated with the legend of Lord Ram, who is said to have stayed there during his exile. Minister of State and local MLA Ashish Jaiswal visited the site on Sunday, emphasizing the vessel’s role in highlighting the temple complex’s lesser-known historical aspects. He noted that the find could attract more tourists, as it offers insights into the site’s past. Jaiswal explained that the vessel was discovered near one of the temple gates, suggesting it may have been used to supply potable water to pilgrims and visitors ascending the hill to reach the temple. The minister also highlighted the ongoing conservation efforts, stating that the site where the vessel was found is now off-limits to further renovation work. He assured that authorities are providing full support for the artifact’s preservation, with the Archaeology Department overseeing the Rs175 crore renovation project at the temple. Jaiswal expressed confidence that such discoveries would enhance the site’s appeal as a heritage destination. Superintending archaeologist Shiv Bhagat of the Archaeological Survey of India’s Nagpur Circle confirmed that further details about the vessel’s origin and dating will be shared in due course.#nagpur #ashish_jaiswal #archaeological_survey_of_india #ramtek_gad_mandir #archaeology_department
‘Covid Excuse No Longer Acceptable’: HC Pulls Up ASI Over Neglect of Old HC Building Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its failure to conserve the historic Old High Court building, rejecting the agency’s reliance on the pandemic as a justification for delays. The court, hearing a suo motu petition and a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former district bar association (DBA) secretary Manoj Sable through counsel Shreerang Bhandarkar, expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect of the heritage structure. The division bench, comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, dismissed the ASI’s claim that the six-month deadline for restoration work was unachievable due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The court noted that the pandemic’s effects had subsided by the first quarter of 2022, yet no significant progress had been made in the subsequent four years. “Such reasons cannot be accepted now,” the bench stated, emphasizing the need for accountability. The court highlighted that a portion of the Old High Court building had collapsed earlier, prompting judicial intervention to facilitate its reconstruction. Despite this, the court observed a pattern of administrative apathy, with the expected seriousness in preserving the heritage site remaining absent. The ASI had previously submitted an affidavit citing the pandemic as a barrier to completing the restoration within the stipulated timeframe, but the court found this explanation inadequate. During the hearing, the ASI argued that completing the entire restoration project within six months was not feasible.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #archaeological_survey_of_india #manoj_sable #shreerang_bhandarkar
