Patna: Expressing deep anguish over the alleged administrative apathy and lack of basic amenities at the Mauryan-era Barabar Caves, situated between twin hills in Makhdumpur block of Jehanabad district, the Patna High Court has ordered an independent committee headed by the district judge to physically inspect the site and prepare a report on the facilities and security measures lacking there.The high court also directed the Jehanabad district magistrate to submit complete records of revenue collected from annual fairs, including the Shravani and Mahashivratri Mela, and the amount spent on development of the caves over the past five years.A single bench of justice Rajiv Roy passed the order on Sept 21 while hearing a writ petition filed by Rajballav Prasad. The order became public on Monday.In his 15-page order, justice Roy said, “This Court is left pondering whether this great historic site of the 3rd Century BCE Mauryan era—which stands unique in the entire world—if situated in any other part of the world, or even in southern/western India, would have faced such terrible neglect? The Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra and so (Bhimbetka caves) in Madhya Pradesh with Sanchi Stupa stand as fine examples of how by developing basic infrastructure and tourism, generate revenue for the government throughout the year.”The court pointedly noted that the Jehanabad district administration seemed exclusively interested in collecting revenue, such as tender fees, while reinvesting virtually 0% of those funds in developing infrastructure at the site.“Courts have repeatedly held that the revenue generated from the fair (Sravani Mela) should be utilized for the upliftment of the region, ensuring proper sanitation, security, and upgraded infrastructure on a permanent basis. All these elements have been lacking at the Barabar Caves, Evidently, the district and local administration has learned no lessons, resulting in such a great Mauryan site remaining in a state of utter neglect today,” justice Roy added.
