Farmers Seek Legal Protection for Konkan's Historic Geoglyphs from Proposed Oil Refinery

To protect and preserve the historic geoglyphs and/or petroglyphs scattered across the Konkan region, two farmers from Ratnagiri district and a resident of Barsu village living in Mumbai have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) with the Bombay High Court (HC).

The PIL specifically targets areas in the Barsu-Solgaon area, which is home to many of these ancient geoglyphs. They are located on the site where a mega-oil refinery has been proposed.

What are petitioners seeking?

The petitioners are seeking guidance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the federal government to initiate necessary procedures under the 1958 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

The PIL demands a ban on any industrial or developmental construction near the geoglyphs in the Konkan region. This demand comes after locals and environmentalists organised demonstrations against the refinery proposal earlier this year.

The PIL has asked the court to instruct the state Directorate of Archaeology and Museums on how to notify historical monuments close to the Barsu area that guardianship will be assumed under the 1960 Law.

Concerns

The petitioners are represented by attorney Hamza Lakdawala. They allege that while ASI has applied for UNESCO's World Heritage List listing of these sites, it has neglected its statutory duty to protect these monuments.

Last year, archaeologists, conservationists, and members of the central government's expert team expressed concerns that the proposed refinery could harm the geoglyphs. They suggested relocating it 5–10 kilometres away from its current location.

Risk of Permanent Damage

According to the PIL, these geoglyphs are at risk of permanent damage due to inaction by government authorities. The petitioners argue that many more geoglyphs, petroglyphs, ancient fossils, and other remnants of prehistoric life could be found there. They could be destroyed forever by human activity if the area is not designated as a "prohibited area."

Current Status of Geoglyphs

The state archaeology department and ASI have designated these rock art pieces as protected monuments. They have also been added to the potential list of UNESCO world heritage sites. These geoglyphs, or petroglyphs, are believed to be 20,000 years old.

Court Hearing

The PIL was listed on September 5 before a bench chaired by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. However, due to time constraints, it was not heard and is likely to be discussed later this month.