On Monday, May 16, the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) G Kishan Reddy, inaugurated public amenities at the Kanheri Caves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai’s Borivali area on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. He was in Mumbai on a 2-day visit between May 15-16 2022.
On the auspicious occasion of #BuddhaPurnima2022 divas, inaugurated public amenities at Kanheri, Borivali, #Mumbai.
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) May 16, 2022
These facilities, part of the @ASIGoI-NCF -IOF project, will improve the tourism and contribute to the protection, preservation and promotion of national heritage. pic.twitter.com/WVkRh2LkXD
While addressing the media, the Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said, “Kanheri caves are part of our ancient heritage as they provide evidence of evolution and our past. It is a privilege to inaugurate the works that have been carried out on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. Buddha‘s message is relevant even today in addressing challenges such as conflict and climate change."
During my address spoke about the architectural and engineering marvel of heritage sites like Kanheri caves, the Ajanta Ellora caves which signify the knowledge about art, engineering, management construction, patience and perseverance that people had back then. pic.twitter.com/6nclmxEGf9
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) May 16, 2022
He added, “If we look at the architectural and engineering marvel of heritage sites like Kanheri caves or the Ajanta Ellora caves it signifies the knowledge about art, engineering, management construction, patience and perseverance that people had back then. Many such monuments back then took more than 100 years to be built. Such caves and monuments are difficult to build even now, in 21st century, with so much of technological and engineering expertise”.
The Indian Oil Foundation is providing Tourist Infrastructure Facilities at Kanheri caves after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Archaeological Survey of India through the National Culture Fund (NCF). Under the project work of renovation and up-gradation to the existing structures was allowed as the work comes in the protected limit of the monument. The existing buildings such as the visitor pavilion, custodian quarter, booking office were up-graded and refurbished. The area from booking counter to custodian quarter was up-graded by providing landscaping and plants.
As the caves fall in the core area of the forest, electricity and water supply are not available. However, arrangements for electricity were made available by providing a solar system and generator set as an alternative arrangement. The water is available through the bore well that was constructed.
The Union Minister Said, “Public-private partnership, corporates, NGOs and civil Society plays an important role in protecting, preserving and propagating our heritage so that future generations can access these treasures. We all must work together and in partnership with experts and scholars where heritage can be a catalyst for development. It is a moral duty of every citizen of this country to take interest and responsibility for the preservation and conservation of our rich heritage”.
Kanheri is set amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes within a designated National Park and its setting is an integral part of its planning, with beautiful forecourts and rock-cut benches to enjoy the scenic vistas.
Share
Tweet
