India: The state government of Odisha has leased an area of limestone-bearing land that includes the Asura Vihara Gumphas, a first century BC Jain religious centre with significance in local mythology. The Blink newspaper reported that the site, consisting of three caves, is ‘covered by thick vegetation’ and in need of ‘proper conservation and preservation.’ Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Odisha state curator Anil Tripathy said, ‘the caves should be retrieved from the company and the allotment of the site cancelled.’ Toshali Cements is reportedly carrying out limestone surveys on an area, including the caves.
INTACH is in the process of conducting a comprehensive survey of the Mahandi Valley, in which the land lies, and has identified over 1000 monuments of ‘tangible heritage.’
