ASI Seals Road Between Khandagiri & Udaygiri Caves In Bhubaneswar

Pic: Odisha Tourism

Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sealed the road between Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves in Bhubaneswar to protect the sites from vibration stress caused by vehicular movement.

Sources said the move also aims at protecting the ancient archaeological sites from pollution. The road will now be open only for pedestrian use.

The authorities have erected boom barriers on the roads approaching the cave from Khandagiri square and from Jaydev Vatika side.

The road will remain closed permanently for vehicles to curb CO2 emission from vehicles and vibration stress to prevent further deterioration of the monuments, according to ASI’s Odisha chief D B Garnayak.

The ASI had earlier warned that the rock-cut caves have deteriorated to a large extent in the last 10 years due to rising pollution, climate change and vibration from vehicles plying the road between the sites.

It may be noted here that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had closed the road for vehicular movement between the caves on a trial basis during the Hockey World Cup. The road was, however, opened again after the international event.

Plans are afoot to run battery operated vehicles for tourists visiting the caves to avoid pollution and vibration stress. Steps are also being taken for the convenience of elderly visitors, a senior BMC official said.