ASI loses integration plot as court orders stay

On January 7 this year,the Ministry of Urban Development had handed over the plot to the ASI,ending a 12-year battle between the ASI and the BSG. The transfer was meant to facilitate the conservation of the two Centrally-protected monuments in the premises and their integration with the Humayun’s Tomb.

Nearly four years ago,a Supreme Court appointed monitoring committee had sealed the Bharatiyam Complex,after the BSG was found guilty of misusing the property by running commercial activities within the plot.

The plot was de-sealed for the ASI to take over but before work could begin,the BSG reclaimed its office and filed a petition with the High Court. “We are awaiting this very valuable archaeological resource within a world heritage site to be secured,so that we are able to restore the Mughal complex and integrate it within the Humayun’s Tomb world heritage site by the Commonwealth Games. But the court notice putting a stay on any further activity has come as a big hindrance. The hearing is slated for April 17 and we will have to wait until then,” a senior ASI official said.

The Bharatiyam Complex houses the Kunzru Stadium,Camp Office,VIP Room,Sports Complex,Bajpai Memorial Hall and the two Centrally-protected 17th Century monuments of Bada Batashewala Mahal and Chhota Batashewala Mahal.

Why the Bharatiyam Complex was sealed?
In 1989,when national children’s meet — Bharatiyam — was held in the complex,temporary arrangements were made for participants to stay on the premises.

A number of modules (small hutments) were constructed on the assumption that they will be demolished after the event. After the event,however,the BSG rented out the modules to several organisations and institutes,including the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. In 2001,the Parkland Club entered into collaboration with the BSG to build a club on over 1.5 acres of land and operate it on commercial basis. Over the last few years,the modules have been home to at least seven families of the BSG employees.

For misuse of property a monitoring committee appointed by the apex court sealed it.