Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 13: Tourists visiting Dhauli peace pagoda, on the outskirts of the city, seeking solace have expressed their dismay as the place has been turning into a den of plastic and garbage.
Commercialisation of tourism is obscuring the scenic beauty of the historic monument atop Dhauli hills, alleged the tourists.
Utkal University anthropology Professor KK Basa who has led various archaeological excavations across the state, said “Ashoka rock edicts of the Dhauli that dates back to the Third Century BC, are the most priceless historical artefacts of Orissa.”
He said strict measures need to be taken to preserve the monument as its historical and heritage values remain immeasurable even by scholars.
Plastic being a non-biodegradable waste should be completely banned in Dhauli as it can affect the delicate ecosystem and pose dangers to historical site, Basa added.
“Tourism should be promoted by the authorities in such a way that it can help citizens understand the rich legacy of our historical sites and respect them. It should always educate them about the richness of culture and should never be a commercial activity” said the renowned archaeologist.
Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) senior archeologist Sunil Patnaik said currently Ashoka’s rock edicts and the elephant head cut-out, which is a natural rock, are under the strict monitoring of ASI. He said ASI has taken the necessary standard mechanisms to preserve these two historical artefacts. These include, preserving the monuments by giving protection by glass to avoid exposure to sunlight, moisture and human intervention, Patnaik added.
He said, “The shanti stupa built under Indo-Japanese partnership in 1972 is not under the control of ASI. The stupa is architecturally important and needs to be preserved from all natural and human interventions.” The stupa has only one existing replica at Rajgir in Bihar, he added.
Meanwhile, Gopal, a Bol Bam devotee, said shops which have come up in the area are generating truckloads of plastics every day.
Ramesh Patra, a visitor from Visakhapatnam, said he was appalled to see the heaps of garbage and plastic waste remaining unattended to at the tourism site.
When contacted, Dhauli Development Committee secretary SS Rath said he had directed the persons concerned to clear the plastic waste immediately. A private agency has been engaged in cleaning the premises and strict orders are given to monitor their services.