Heritage commr issues notice to Gopal

State heritage commissioner P S Vastrad has issued a notice to director of archaeology R Gopal for his recent outburst against the department. The latter had alleged that the department was being “run by the mafia”.

Following media reports on March 15, Vastrad has clarified that the works were taken up only after making estimates and drawing up action plans. Following government approval, the projects were placed before a technical committee for approval. It was only then that tenders were invited, he said. Conservation engineer and assistant conservation engineer would monitor the works, giving timely suggestions to the contractor. Members of technical committee too keep track of the projects.

Similarly projects taken up under 13th finance commission were being executed as per procedure, he said.