Elephanta Caves,
a world heritage site on a small island in the Sea
of Oman near Mumbai, boast an
impressive archaeological legacy dating to the 2nd century BCE. Associated with
the cult of Shiva, the caves feature rock carvings and sculptures.
While the prospect of electricity being brought to Elephanta
Island prompted lots of publicity last year, money set aside
for restoration work at the site in last year's budget has yet to translate
into any concrete action.
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| Temple at Elephanta, 1907 |
While work at Elephanta
Caves was supposed to include
landscape restoration, installation of signage and interpretation centres, improved
access for disabled people and improved visitors’ amenities, nothing has
actually been done apart from a "project teport." In classic bureaucratic
fashion, restoration work has reportedly been stymied by the fact that
responsibility for the site overlaps between the Archaeological Survey of India
and the Forest Department.
It is sad to think that red tape alone is enough to stop
important restoration work, despite the required funds being available.
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