Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Jul 4: During the joint survey conducted by the officials of the archaeological survey department, it was found that the market building being constructed in the town is less than 100 metres away from a protected monument.

As per rules, no objection letter from the department of archaeology has to be obtained before undertaking such constructions. The high court, which has been approached by an individual with this complaint, now has a provision to act against the chief officer of the municipality.

The construction of the market building has been undertaken near Chowtara Aramane, a protected monument. A local, Jaison Taccode, had filed public interest litigation opposing the said construction. The division bench comprising Chief Justice, A S Oka, and Justice H T Narendra Prasad, had issued interim stay against proceeding with the construction on June 11 but Taccode had accused the municipality of continuing with the construction even thereafter.

The high court had passed an order asking the government to get the survey of the disputed site done and ordered a report thereof to be filed within four weeks, before adjourning the hearing.

On Tuesday, deputy superintending archaeologist K P Mohandas, led a team comprising surveyor of the department Murali Mohan, Karkala sub-circle conservation assistant Gokul, and monument conservator R N Nayak.