Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The historic Buddha Caves near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are reportedly under serious threat due to ongoing illegal excavation and blasting activities. In response, the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has taken immediate cognizance of the matter, underlining the urgency of protecting this ancient heritage site.
A division bench comprising Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Y. G. Khobragade has appointed Adv. Chandrakant Thorat and Adv. Prashant Nagargoje as ‘Friends of the Court’ (Amicus Curiae) to assist in the ongoing petition.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has distanced itself from the issue, stating that the excavation work is taking place approximately 300 meters away from the designated cave area. However, ground reports and visuals tell a different story. On Friday, excavation was actively carried out with the help of six JCB machines and three trucks, indicating large-scale activity dangerously close to the heritage site.
Despite visible cracks in the caves and frequent minor landslides, no action has been taken by the concerned authorities, even though the Archaeological Department is reportedly aware of the activities. While warning signs have been put up for tourists, these measures fall short of safeguarding the fragile heritage site, which continues to face threats from illegal operations.
The court’s swift intervention has raised hopes for immediate corrective action and stricter enforcement. This episode has once again highlighted the institutional failure in protecting monuments of historical and tourist significance. With legal pressure mounting, there is now hope that authorities will take meaningful steps to preserve these culturally invaluable caves for future generations.