The in-limbo project of the archeological survey of India (ASI) of setting-up of an interpretation center at the Bhimbetka site, will finally be developed in an area of over 2.5 acres. The central agency had planned the center and had acquired land there in 2008. But the project got stuck due to legal hurdles posed by the alleged distribution of less compensation to the land owners.
The Bhimbetka is dotted with rock paintings dating 2500 BC and there are certain areas where the visitors are not allowed to reach. These areas also have unique rock paintings. The visitors will now be able to see these paintings through the center.
The ASI had disbursed around Rs 55lakh to the parties claiming to be the land owners. There were ten such parties and few of them objected to the land acquisition terming the compensation to be inadequate. The regional office of Bhopal ASI had sought additional money from central office in Delhi but the money could not be sanctioned, said an officer. The dues thus escalated and in ten years the ASI had to again shell out Rs 55 lakh for the compensation.
Out of bounds
The areas where the visitors are not allowed include the Rangmahal, Banganga, Bhaunrawali and Lakhajuar along with few other areas where one of the oldest rock painitngs of the country exist.
