"Unauthorised construction" in Khaspur Rajbari; Central Govt. issues show cause, sets a deadline of seven days

The Rajbari Ruins at Khaspur, that are now a popular tourist attraction, had part of its lands subjected to unauthorised construction by Bachan Ghatowar. He has received show cause legal notice from the Archaeological Survey of India.

The letter from ASI states, “It has been brought to the notice of this office that, owner of the property, Shri Bachan Ghatowar. Vill. – PO- Thaligram, has carried out/is carving out unauthorised construction within the Regulated area of Cachari Ruins, Khaspur a Centrally protected monument.”

As per the section 20B of the Ancient monument and Archaeological sites Act of 1958, every Archaeological site n remains is declared of national importance. The sub section of 20C of Ancient monuments and Archaeological sites and remains Act, states that any person owning any building or land in a regulated area, if desiring for any renovation or construction, must at first send an application to the Competent Authority.

“Owner/occupier of the aforesaid premises appears to have contravened the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 20C and therefore liable for action under Section 30B which provides that, whoever raises, on/or after the date on which the ancient monuments and Archaeological sites and remains (Amendment and Validation)bill,2010. receives the assent of the President, any constructions in the regulated area without the previous permission of the Competent Authority or in contravention of the permission granted by the Competent Authority, shall be punishable within imprisonment not extending two years on with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both,” adds the letter from ASI.

Therefore, the Central Govemment in exercise of its power under sub-rule(1) of Rule 38 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, hereby directs Shri Bachan Ghatowar, Vill. + P.O,- Thaligram, Khaspur the owner/occupier of the aforesaid premises which is situated within the Regulated area of centrally protected monument namely, Cachari Ruins, Khaspur to “remove such unauthorised building/construction within seven days” of the receipt of this notice, failing which the Central Government will take action and remove the construction.

The Government has demanded a valid explanation from him within 10 days, failing which strict measures might be taken.