Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra Government to Protect Ancient Petroglyph and Geoglyph Sites

Strategic Insights -

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to take concrete steps to protect ancient petroglyph and geoglyph sites in Ratnagiri district, several of which are on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. A public interest litigation (PIL) filed by two farmers and a local government employee from Ratnagiri had sought protection and preservation of these fragile archaeological sites. The state government has assured the court that the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has begun a systematic survey of the sites and proposals for official notification have been submitted for final approval.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to protect ancient petroglyph and geoglyph sites in Ratnagiri district, which are on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
  • The state government has assured the court that the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has begun a systematic survey of the sites, and proposals for official notification have been submitted for final approval.
  • The state government has sought to exclude two key petroglyph sites from a proposed oil refinery project, citing the potential threat to cultural heritage sites.
  • The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has proposed a "pass-through" model of acquisition, which reduces the risk of heritage damage.
  • The court has directed the state and its archaeology directorate to utilize the Rs.4 crore fund allocated for the development of these sites.
  • The petroglyph sites in question include Kasheli, Rundhetali, Devache Gothane, Barsu, Devihasol, Jambhrun, and Ukshi in Ratnagiri district, and Kudopi in Sindhudurg.

Statistics:

  • Rs.4 crore fund allocated for the development of petroglyph sites in Ratnagiri district.
  • Nine petroglyph sites spread across Maharashtra and Goa have been submitted for inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage list.
  • The sites are currently on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

Sources:

  • HT Digital Content Services with permission from HT Mumbai
  • Maharashtra government's affidavit
  • Bombay High Court's order