The Archaeological Survey of India has lodged a complaint against construction of a Delhi Metro corridor near Jantar Mantar that has been undertaken at a distance of 210 metres from the monument which falls within the regulated area.
Culture minister Kumari Selja told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the ASI has also issued a ‘showcause notice’ to stop the work since the construction is in contravention of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.
She, however, said no adverse effect on structures of Jantar Mantar has been observed due to construction work by Delhi Metro.
“The construction work at Jantar Mantar has been undertaken at a distance of 210 metres, which falls within regulated area of monument,” she told the House in a written reply.
Construction within 300 metres of protected monuments is prohibited under the Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.
The ASI lodged a police complaint and issued a showcause notice to stop the work since the construction work is in contravention to the provisions of the act as it is being taken up without permission from the competent authority,” she said.