Latest news with #AncientMonumentsAct
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ASI seeks FIR over selling of ‘laddus' as prasad on Trimbakeshwar temple premises
Nashik: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent a letter to Trimbakeshwar police asking them to register an FIR against an individual selling laddus as prasad within the protected temple premises, claiming violation of sections 10 and 19 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act trustees, however, strongly objected, arguing that the cited sections of the Act didn't apply since no construction or excavation was carried out on the premises."The ASI, Aurangabad Circle, sent a letter, dated May 5, to us, stating that the temple trust (Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust) was selling laddus and doing business despite warnings, violating sections 10 and 19 of the Ancient Monuments Act. We will review the said sections and the Act before taking further action," a senior officer from the Nashik Rural police temple trustees disputed the complaint, claiming the ASI's action was based on a minority view and not representative of the broader perspective. "The laddus are sold to pilgrims not for business but to raise funds for the trust, which provides services and facilities to devotees. The kiosk (for laddus) was raised on March 30 when the project was launched but it was removed immediately, though there was no construction or any harm to the temple. Now, the laddus are being sold using a table," Rupali Bhutada, a temple trustee, trustee, Kailas Ghule, said: "The laddus are not prepared there but sold to the pilgrims who want to buy them as prasad. The receipts from this go to the trust and not to anybody's pocket. We will keep this going on as it is in the interest of the pilgrims."Bhutada differentiated between monuments and religious places, stating that the ASI's rules apply to monuments under agreement, not necessarily to active religious sites. "The trust isn't harming the structure. The issue might be driven by individuals with vested interests," she 10 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, prohibits activities like construction, excavation or mining in protected areas without prior permission. Section 19 of the Act relates to "prohibition of construction, etc., within protected area" and aims to preserve and protect the archaeological significance of the site.
Press and Journal
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
'Off-grid music experience' at Highland castle axed after local concern
An 'off-grid music experience' at a Sutherland castle was axed last minute after the organisers failed to get permission from the landowner. Hannah Vanhoof and Alastair Curtis-Walcott advertised an open-air dance night at Ardvreck Castle on Saturday April 26 via Instagram. However, after locals raised their concerns over the gathering, it was discovered the couple hadn't sought permission from Historic Assynt. Around 40 – 45 people attended the relocated event in Durness, travelling from across Scotland. Hannah and Alastair, both 24 and based in Edinburgh, planned the event using Right to Roam legislation and have previously organised open-air gigs in the north-west of Scotland and Edinburgh. Speaking afterwards, Hannah, originally from Belgium, said the aim was to build community through dance, while ensuring events were safe, respectful and left no impact on the landscape. She told The Press and Journal: 'These kinds of events are normal in Brussels. They are about bringing people together and building community. 'We want to dance, and we want to invite other people to come along and dance with us. 'But we don't want to do that if it is bringing distress to people. 'We want the community to come and join us. Everyone is welcome. We want to show that we are responsible and that we leave no trace behind.' Alastair said: 'We had a really kind conversation with the local estate manager. He explained there was a bad feeling about the planned event and suggested working with the estate in future. 'One of the ghillies also suggested other places where we might hold a dance. We would love to do this properly with the community.' The couple said they use their gatherings to promote Scotland's Right to Roam legislation, raise awareness of 'leave no trace' principles, and encourage responsible outdoor access. They also stressed their events are family-friendly and not raves, relying entirely on green energy stored in batteries. Alastair said: 'We don't like to use the word 'rave' because it comes with connotations of something illegal or disruptive. 'Our events are about acoustic music, connection and respect for the land.' The Durness event, whose location was revealed only shortly before it began, featured a slow blues set followed by psychedelic rock, organic house, jungle, drum and bass, garage, dubstep and dub. Live instruments were played as the dancing began, and the organisers said the site was left without a trace of the event. The organisers said they now hope to work with local communities and landowners to arrange future events in the Highlands. Hannah said: 'We love the Highlands and would love to bring people together here — but only if it is done in a way that respects the land and the people.' Historic Assynt, which cares for Ardvreck Castle, said it was informed of the planned event and warned organisers that any disturbance could risk breaching the Ancient Monuments Act. A spokesperson said: 'We were informed yesterday and told the person concerned to speak to the police. 'As far as I am aware, police, local estate workers, Highland access rangers or some mix of the aforementioned moved people on and no party took place at Ardvreck. 'People are regularly moved on from Ardvreck as it is not a campsite, has no campsite facilities and is a protected scheduled monument.' A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: 'Police were not involved after a conversation between the landowner and organisers took place.'
