Waqf Board,govt dept spar over ownership of heritage sites

In the first phase,the Department covered 14 monuments but the Board claimed 10 of them as its property. They include the Tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan,Baghichi Ki Masjid,Chaumachi Khan’s Tomb and seven others in Mehrauli.

Chairman of the Board Mateen Ahmed said: “Ten of these monuments were transferred to us in 1970. Prayers are offered regularly at these structures. If the Department takes over,such activities will be prohibited.”

“Why should we part with our property?” Ahmed asked,adding,“But if the Department wants to conserve them,they are free to do so.”

Thirteen monuments in the second phase have been notified and the last day to file objections is October 11.

Members of the Waqf Board said objections are likely,though they are yet to ascertain which structures in the second list belong to them.

On the other hand,government officials are not worried at the rush of objections from the Waqf Board.

Additional Secretary (Art,Culture and Language) and Director,Department of Archaeology,Keshav Chandra said: “These monuments are significant heritage structures. They need the protection of the Department for conservation and maintenance. The necessary judicial proceedings will be carried out on the objections.”

The Delhi Wakf Board owns 1,977 properties in the city. Many have run into controversy over the years. While members claim some protected monuments under the ASI — but owned by the Board — can be used for prayers,the ASI is now strict about restricting entry to these monuments. They have even sought the help of the police to keep people out.

“Structures where prayers were being offered when the ASI took them over have been given the status of living monuments. At present,there are 12 living monuments under the ASI. No new monument will be opened for religious activities,” said K K Mohammad,superintending archaeologist,Delhi circle,ASI.