ASI to free Sher Shah tomb of encroachments

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state unit, is planning to remove encroachments from the mausoleum of the Afghan ruler Sher Shah at Sasaram. It will issue notices to the owners of illegal constructions within the buffer zone of the ASI's nationally protected site at Sasaram.

It has been learnt that altogether 250 illegal structures have come up within the restricted zone of the monument. As per the Archaeological Monuments Special Repair (AMSR) Act, 1992, no construction is allowed within the 300 sq metre area of any archaeological, historical monument without the permission of the ASI.

Dr PK Mishra, superintending archaeologist of the ASI, Patna circle, said that copy of the notices would be forwarded to the collector of Sasaram also. Earlier too such notices had been served to the concerned people.

"After the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, an effort has been made to get monuments listed in the UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. In 2005 the ASI had recommended Sher Shah's tomb for this esteemed status. But things failed to materialise and encroachments around the monument was one reasons for the mausoleum not getting the status," Mishra said.

He said that the estimates committee of the state assembly has asked the local administration to report about the exact position of encroachments at the site. The list provided include altogether 250 illegal constructions within 300 sq metres of the monument, he added.

Sher Shah's mausoleum is also likely to be developed by the government as a tourist spot. Considering its historical and architectural potential, the tourism department has already prepared a master plan of the project.

E-mail Reena Sopam: rsopam_01@yahoo.com