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Journalism of Courage
2-km corridor passes through half-a-dozen protected monuments
As the Bus Rapid Transit BRT system heads towards the completion of a part in the first phase, more difficult phases ahead are also closing in on the project, along with its progress.
Under the existing rules, there is a blanket ban on modern constructions and repairs of old buildings in the 100-metre vicinity of such monuments.
Shivanand Rao, Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India ASI, said he had no knowledge of any AMC plans for the construction of the elevated corridor. 8220;Before starting the work, the AMC authorities will have to seek permission from the ASI Director-General.
The application for necessary permission will have to be routed through the Gujarat office, he said, adding that the permission could not be taken for granted and in the absence of any such authorisation, it would be illegal.
D Thara, the director of JNNURM projects in the city, said the elevated corridor would have to be built to facilitate a smooth traffic in the congested area through which it is proposed to pass. She said the AMC is planning to build just a road, and not a heavy structure.
8220;We are still studying various options,8221; she said, adding that the necessary permission will be taken from the concerned authorities at an appropriate time. Talks with the railway authorities will also be held to work out the suitable time for the closure of the road for carrying out the construction work, she said.
