Mining, construction banned within 15 metres of 14 historical monuments, sites

The Department of Heritage and Tourism has issued a notification declaring the areas surrounding 14 historical monuments/sites in various districts of the state as prohibited and regulated zones due to their archaeological importance. Mining activities and construction have been banned within 15 metres and regulated within the next 30 metres around these sites.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Meena said this decision had been taken by the state government with the approval of the Governor of Haryana under Section 29 of the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1965.

The monuments/sites include the Fort of Islampur and Baoli in Mahendragarh, Solah Rahi Talab, Rani ki Deodhi and Bada Talab in Rewari, Haveli of Chowdhary Kashi Ram and the Old Kacheri in Hodal village of Palwal district, Jarashand Ka Tila Sandhai in Yamunanagar, Khunga Kothi in Jind, Masjid at Bosti village in Fatehabad, Guest House of Bhai Udai Singh in Pehowa of Kurukshetra district, Bagha Wali Kothi at Dujana in Jhajjar district, the SDM Residence in Kaithal, and Prithviraj Ki Kachheri in Tosham (Bhiwani).

According to the notification, area up to 15 metres from the protected boundary of all these historical monuments/sites has been declared as a prohibited zone, while the next 30 metres has been declared a regulated zone for the purposes of management, mining operations, and construction. Within this entire stretch, any kind of construction, excavation, or other activity is strictly prohibited.

“The department has clarified that within 60 days of the publication of this notification in the state Gazette, any person or organisation wishing to raise an objection or provide suggestions regarding this matter may submit them in writing to the Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana. All objections and suggestions received during this period will be considered before the final implementation,” said the district spokesman.

He said this move underscores the government's commitment to preserving Haryana's rich archaeological heritage.