AJANTA ELLORA

CONSERVATION AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT

A REPORT

MAHARASHTRA TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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Ajanta-Ellora Conservation & Tourism Development Project

Phase-I

Background of the Project :

Caves of Ajanta and Ellora, which are accredited the status of

'World Heritage Sites' by UNESO are located in Aurangabad

District of Maharashtra State. Their vicinity is called the Ajanta Ellora Region, where are located many ancient monuments and sites

of ecological significance. Maharashtra Tourism Development

Corporation (MTDC) got prepared in 1991, a Master Plan from M/s. Tata Consultancy Services on the basis of which the Government of

India requested the Government of Japan to consider grant of

Financial Assistance for the project. The Government of Japan got the Master Plan assessed by the Overseas Economic Co-operation

Fund (OECF) now Japan Bank for International Co-operation

(JBIC) and offered Loan assistance to Government of India for implementation of a part of the Master Plan as Phase I of the

Project. The two Governments entered into an agreement for the

Loan in January 1992. A joint venture of Pacific Consultants International (PCI) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) were

appointed in November 1993 as Consultants for planning and

overseeing the implementation of the works under the Loan. The Principal objectives of the Master Plan are :

Objectives :-

o To conserve and preserve monuments and natural

resources in the Ajanta Ellora region.

o To Improve infrastructure in order to accommodate

increased number of tourists to the region and enhance

their experience by providing improved facilities and

services.

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Project Components

•Conservation Monuments.

•Up-gradation of core infrastructure

- Water supply, electricity, communication

•Improve Accessibility

- Airport, roads, connection from important rail heads

•Environment Management

- Afforestation, low pollution local transportation, removing

encroachments

•Visitor Management System

- Circulation plans, landscaping, tourists amenities, cave

illumination, signage

•Media and Publicity

- National & international print and audio-visual publicity

The total project cost was estimated at Yen 4,406

million, which was equal to Rs.817.1 Million at the

exchange rate of Rs. 1 equals Yen 5.39. The support from

JBIC was Yen 3,745 million (Rs. 494.8 Million) and this is

around 85% of the total project cost.

The Major works completed in Phase - I

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MONUMENT CONSERVATION

(Implementing Agency : Archaeological Survey of India)

Improvement of approach path to the caves,

Procurement of conservation and logistic equipment,

Geological investigations of caves for formulating

conservation plan.

Structural Conservation

of facades

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Chemical Conservation To arrest weathering of external rock surfaces & monuments

Cleaning of Paintings & Sculptures

•Slow & Specialized work

•Undertaken after detailed research

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Preservation of Rock Surface &

Prevention of Water Seepage

Tourists Circulation Plan

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ROADS

(Implementing Agency : Public Works Department)

Up gradation & widening of 187.88 Kms. of road in

Ajanta Ellora Region connecting

Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves Road (113.6 kms.)

Aurangabad – Daulatabad Road (12.68 kms.)

Aurangabad - Ellora Road (14.00 kms.)

Khultabad – Phulambri Road (26.4 kms.)

Mitmita-Varzadi-Ellora Road (21.20 kms.)

Pathway from View Point to Ajanta Caves

by fair road connectivity to Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

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Upgradation of Roads

Mitmita-Varzadi-Ellora Road

Pune-Jalgaon Road at

Golegaon

Daulatabad-Ellora Road

Near Khultabad T-point

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AIRPORT

(Implementing Agency : National Airport Authority)

Extension of existing runway of 6000 ft. to 7500 ft.

Installation of ILS and other navigational equipment,

Strengthening of runway,

Air conditioning of departure lounge and

Erection of boundary wall.

Improving Aurangabad

Airport Infrastructure

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ELECTRICITY (Implementing Agency: Maharashtra State Electricity Board)

Augmentation of electric supply at Ajanta and Ellora, and

provision of related supply network.

Augmenting Electricity Capacity

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WATER SUPPLY (Implementing Agency : Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran)

Raising height of Tondapur Dam,

Installation of filtration plants and

Water Supply System at Ajanta and Ellora.

Improving Water Supply

Quantity & Quality

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Improvement of Environment & Ambience

AFFORESTATION (Implementing Agency : Forest Department)

Afforestation of 500 Ha of forest at Ajanta caves

Afforestation of 237 Ha. Around Ellora Caves

Totaling 737 Ha. in the region has been completed.

Fencing around plantation and rearing of trees.

Afforestation at Ajanta

Afforestation at Ajanta

Afforestation at Ellora

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Improvement to Pathway from Ajanta View Point to Ajanta Cavaes Foot Hills

in Forest Area ( Implemented by Public Works Department)

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Landscaping at Ajanta View Point, Ajanta Garden and

Ellora Cave No. 16 (Kailas Temple) (M.T.D.C.)

Ajanta View Point ( Garden, Fencing and Parking area)

Ajanta Forest Garden

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Landscaping at Ellora Cave No. 16 and Parking

Cave No. 16 (Before landscaping)

Cave No. 16

(after landscaping)

(Parking area,Ellora)

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VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (VMS)

(Implementing Agency : M.T.D.C.)

Preparation of media film, brochure, guide map,

leaflets and posters in national and international

languages.

Signage in the project region.

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Directional Signage

Site Signage

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Sulabh Suvidha Kendra at Ajanta Foot Hills

(M.T.D.C. Managed by Sulabh International)

Removal of encroachment and Landscaping

at Ajanta Foot Hills

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Generator Room and Equipments for Illumination of

caves with Fibre Optics System ( C.P.W.D.)

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The above works were undertaken during Phase-I. In the meanwhile there was

a balance of approximately Rs.380 million from the loan amount due to the

depreciation of Rupee, after the signing of the loan agreement. The loan

agreement has been extended to 31st March 2002 and further works are

undertaken based on the recommendations of 5th Steering Committee

meeting. The works including the extended phase are completed in February

2002.

Phase I & Extended Phase Expenditure

In Rs. Million S.

No.

Sub Project Impl.

Agency

Estimated

Cost

Actual

Exp.

Reimburse

ment

1 Monument Conservation ASI

Phase 1 Programme 13.230 03.440 02.821

Extended Phase-I 89.600 85.192 69.857

Total 102.830 88.632 72.678

2 National Airport Authority AAI

Phase 1 Programme 148.270 156.380 124.271

Extended Phase-I 09.000 06.924 05.678

Total 157.270 163.304 129.949

3 Afforestation FD

Phase 1 Programme 31.240 33.000 27.060

Extended Phase-I 13.600 11.255 09.229

Total 44.840 44.255 36.289

4 Roads PWD

Phase 1 Programme 435.360 539.870 442.693

Extended Phase-I 124.400 195.565 160.438

Total 559.760 735.435 603.131

5 Water Supply and Sewerage MJP

Phase 1 Programme 51.960 58.814 48.227

Total 51.960 58.814 48.227

6 Electric Power Supply MSEB

Phase 1 Programme 32.320 23.824 19.536

Total 32.320 23.824 19.536

7 Visitor Management System MTDC

Phase 1 Programme 27.340 06.010 04.928

Extended Phase-I 200.100 154.678 126.836

Total 227.440 160.688 131.764

Phase 1 Programme MOT 09.400 03.620 03.620

Extended Phase-I 02.862 02.862

Total 09.400 06.482 06.482

Phase 1 Programme 749.120 824.958 673.156

Extended Phase-I 436.700 456.476 374.900

Grand Total 1185.820 1281.434 1048.056

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Creation of Parking Node, Bus Bay and Shopping Complex at

T-Junction, Ajanta Caves ( C.P.W.D.)

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Purchase of 10 Euro-I type buses

( 5Airconditioned and 5 Non air-conditioned)

Activity is run by Maharashtra State Road Transport

Corporation.

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DATA ON VISITORS AT THE CENTRALLY

PROTECTED MONUMENTS

FOR THE YEAR 2001-02, 2002-03 & 2003-04

Year Ajanta

Caves

Ellora

Caves

Bibi-Ka-

Maqbara

Daulatabad

Fort

Aurangabad

Caves

2001-02

Indian

283281 442329 531143 373859 24733

Foreigner

15529 10460 3938 5082 1173

Total

298810 452789 535081 378941 25906

2002-03

Indian

269959 383214 579724 308427 20940

s

Foreigner

17639 10627 5640 5328 1337

Total

287598 393841 585364 313755 22277

2003-04

Indian

289130 432762 527861 316893 29270

Foreigner

23139 13727 8073 6881 2342

Total

312269 446489 535934 323779 31612

Source : Ticket sold by Archaeological Survey of India at

the Monuments.

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Ajanta & Ellora

What it represents today ………

A secure comfortable & enchanting destination

boasting two world heritage sites

More than 30,000 Sq ft of wall/ ceiling paintings

representing art form since Circa 200 B.C narrating

Jataka stories

A confluence of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu heritage

& cultures housed in more than 70 exquisitely

carved caves

A monolith temple (Kailasha) carved from a 225,000

ton single rock mass, excavated top down, into a

spectacular temple of art & culture

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AJANTA ELLORA CONSERVATION AND TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Phase - II

The second phase of the Ajanta-Ellora conservation and

tourism development project with the Japanese Bank of

International Co-operation (JBIC) sanctioning a soft loan of Rs.300 crores has become effective from July 31, 2003.

The loan clearance was announced after the JBIC held a series of talks with the central department of Tourism and Culture and the

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in Delhi. The first phase of the Ajanta -Ellora heritage circuit up gradation

scheme has won appreciation not only from the Japanese but also

from UNESCO. The second phase envisages taking forward the conservation and a development scheme initiated in the first phase,

and is estimated to Rs.360 crores. The remaining Rs.60 crores will

be brought in by various agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India, Airport Authority of India and five state government

agencies.

The second phase will be completed in five year time and will

generate additional employment in the Aurangabad Ajanta area.

This time, the funds are being utilize for not only the restoration of the Ajanta and Ellora caves but for the entire cave circuit of

Maharashtra, which streches from Mumbai to Aurangabad. The

plan envisages development and repair in the Elephanta caves, Nasik Ghat, Malshej Ghat, the Shivneri fort as well as forts around

Bhaja and Bedsa. Aurangabad's fabulous but long-neglected

heritage monuments will also be spruced up. These include the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Soneri Mahal, Delhi Gate, Makai Gate, Bhadkal

Gate, in the Aurangabad. Pitalkhora caves, Daulatabad Fort and the

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Patnadevi temple. The work to be carried out at these places

includes structural reinforcement, chemical conservation of the paintings and artifacts, preservation of percolation within the caves,

upgrading the environment, training conservation staff and

improving visitor management system.

Another major area of development will be the Lonar Crater,

one of the oldest meteorite impact crater in the world (in Buldhana District). Last year, the MTDC built a resort near the crater to

attract tourists. Now it plans to clean up the ancient temples on the

beach of the lake in the crater and create heritage walks while simultaneously protecting the lake and wooded environs of the

crater. Another important project that will be completed in the

second phase is up-grading Aurangabad airport into an international airport.

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AJANTA ELLORA CONSERVATION AND TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Phase - II

Type of work Estimated

cost in

Million. Rs.

Implementing

Agency

Monument Conservation 368 ASI

Improvement of Airport 607 AAI

Afforestation 14 Maharashtra Forest

Department

Improvement of roads 185 Maharashtra P.W.D.

Water Supply Systems 49 Maharashtra Jeevan

Pradhikaran

Tourist complexes at Ajanta & Ellora with interpretation

centers and replica caves

532 MTDC

Public Awareness Activities 302 MTDC

Human Resource

Development

9 MTDC

Computerization of Tourist Information

18 MTDC

Micro Credit 5 MTDC

Lonar Conservation and

Development

25 MTDC

State Archaeological

Monuments

9 MTDC

Additional sub projects in vicinity of Buddhist caves

circuit

237 MTDC

Contingency 270

Consulting Services 169

Interest during construction 194

Total Project Cost 2992 Rs. in million

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The brief description of work being undertaken by each

implementing agency is given below:

MONUMENT CONSERVATION

( Executing Agency : Archaeological Survey of India)

It covers implementing short and long term measures for the

conservation & preservation at Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Pitalkhora Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Daulatabad

Fort, Kanari Caves, Elephanta and Nasik Caves. It also includes

project packages of ASI (Chemical Branch) for Chemical Conservation of Monuments, Survey and Maintenance/Operation of

Equipment & purchase of equipment’s for the conservation

laboratory at Aurangabad & detailed documentation of heritage monuments.

The proposed project package include: Protection of rock mass.

Prevention of Water seepage in the caves.

Slope stability of caves and adjoining hills. Conservation & Preservation/ protection of sensitive paintings.

Surface water management.

Landscaping the adjoining region. Visitor management

Restoration of essential/structural elements and

Investigation/exploration of surroundings.

AURANGABAD AIRPORT (Executing Agency Airport Authority of India)

To facilitate domestic and international flights to land in Aurangabad the airport facilities are planned to be upgraded. After

the up-gradation wide-bodied aircraft’s operated by charter flight

operators could land at Aurangabad Airport. This development will significantly boost the international tourist traffic to the region.

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The proposed project package include: Construction of new passenger terminal building and Ancillary

support facilities.

Construction of new apron 500x400 and construction of taxi track.

AFFORESTATION ( Forest Department, Maharashtra)

Afforestation of land in Ajanta-Ellora Region. This will help in

improving vegetation cover, which will prevent soil erosion and will reduce pollution in the vicinity of the caves.

The proposed project package include: Afforestation at Daulatabad, Maliwada & Mitmita,

Daulatabad and surroundings

Information and Maintenance: Erection of fire towers, Fire line cutting every year, Fire fighting equipments, Display card on

trees

Tourist facilities at Gawatala sanctuary: Camping and Accommodation facilities, Establishment of nature trails and

watch towers.

ROAD

(Executing Agency:Public Works Department, Maharashtra

State) The following roads are recommended for up gradation in phase-2

1. Improvement of Bhusawal-Jamner-Pahur road(41.3 km)

2. Improvement of Satkund-Pitalkhora road (10 km)

All the roads lead to important tourist destinations and the proposed

improvements will lead to reduction in travel time & commuting

costs. The towns/villages in the vicinity of these roads will also benefit.

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WATER SUPPLY (Executing Agency : Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran)

The existing water supply scheme will take care of water supply & sanitation at tourist destinations at Ellora caves,

Ajanta View Point. This facility will benefit tourists visiting the

above tourist destinations.

TOURISM MARKETING & VISITOR MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM ( MTDC)

Development of Ajanta Tourist Complex : which includes

construction of visitor information center, arrival area, interpretation center, site museum, virtual reality hall, cave

replicas, restaurants, plazas & service areas.

Development of Ellora Tourist Complex : which includes

construction of visitor center, arrival area, interpretation

center, site museum, virtual reality hall, restaurants, plazas & service areas.

Public Awareness Activities: for promotion of Maharashtra and Buddhist circuits along with Ajanta Ellora region using

press, print, audio visual and electronic media.

Human Resource Development : This will take care of

training to staff for maintenance and operation of tourism destinations, visitor management service, tourism planning and

environment conservation, etc.

Computerisation of Tourist Information : Conservation of State Archaeological Monuments: The

following gates and temples in & around Aurangabad : Soneri

Mahal, Delhi gate, Makai gate, Bhadkal gate are to be conserved & preserved.

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Development of Lonar Crater: This includes construction of

pathway, fencing work, construction of toilet, clearing of prosopis plants, restoration, conservation, creation of visitor

information and management system.

Additional sub projects in the vicinity of the Cave : This

will include development of Elephanta Caves, River front

development of Nasik Ghat, Development of Malshej ghat, Development around Bhaja and Bedsa, Development of

Shivneri fort near Junner caves, Development of Rustic valley.

The development work will include the improvement of access roads, signage, power and water infrastructure at these tourist

destinations.

MICROCREDIT FOR LOW INCOME TOURIST SERVICE

PROVIDERS:

This is the first scheme of its kind in tourism sector in India and will

aim to organize and train service providers at tourist sites who are

other wise considered nuisence by tourists and planners alike, but are essential part of Indian tourism scenario. Along with the

development of infrastructure in the Aurangabad, Nasik and

Elephanta/Ghorapuri regions there is a need to cater to small routine necessities of tourists, which are today met by mushrooming

hawkers whose service to tourists leave much to desire. The micro

financing sub projects would aim at organizing, training and financing this low income segment. Women entrepreneurs will be

given preference and suitable NGOs have been identified to train, disburse and monitor the micro credit funding and recovery. The

beneficiaries include small restaurants, tea shops, kiosks, guides,

photographers, hawkers, fruit vendors, taxi operators. This would make them more presentable as well as increase their

entrepreneurial ability. The loan amount will be scheme will

channalised through rural bank. -------

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