Jurisdictional Battle Erupts Over Historic Statue Repairs
A fresh conflict has emerged between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (AMC) concerning repair work around the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at his historic Summer Palace, commonly known as Company Bagh. The dispute centers on which authority holds the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the area surrounding the iconic statue.
The Core of the Conflict: Protected Status vs Municipal Duty
The ASI maintains that the site's protected status as a Centrally Protected National Monument makes all repair work subject to its oversight and approval. However, the AMC insists that the upkeep of the statue itself falls squarely under its municipal mandate and claims it acted to prevent structural damage after years of apparent neglect.
Social activist Pawan Sharma, who first brought attention to the deteriorating condition of the statue, revealed that due to prolonged neglect, the podium of the statue had developed significant cracks and was steadily worsening. "The structural integrity was compromised, posing a grave threat to the statue itself," Sharma stated.
Accusations and Counterclaims
The ASI has expressed strong objections, claiming they were kept completely in the dark about the ongoing repair work. When questioned about these objections, Sharma responded critically: "Not only did the ASI fail to notice the cracks, which it should have, but it also did not undertake any repairs. At least the AMC has come forward and is restoring the site."
He further criticized local politicians for making grand promises while taking no meaningful action to address the deteriorating condition of the historic site.
Historical Context and Ongoing Management Issues
The dispute has deeper roots in the complex management structure of the Summer Palace complex. In 2004, the central government granted the 84-acre Summer Palace the status of Centrally Protected National Monument to be managed by ASI. Despite this elevated protection status, management remains fragmented and disputed.
The ASI controls only parts of the complex, while other sections are held by different bodies, with some management issues even involving legal battles. This fragmentation has created ongoing challenges for the comprehensive preservation of the historic site.
Official Responses from Both Sides
Sri Om, senior conservation assistant at ASI, confirmed that he has formally written to the AMC commissioner raising their objections and seeking an official reply on the jurisdictional issue.
AMC commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill defended the corporation's actions, explaining that the brickwork around the statue had begun to crumble and developed significant cracks requiring immediate attention. "The AMC is constructing an RCC retaining wall and carrying out new flooring around the statue to ensure structural stability," Shergill stated.
He firmly maintained that the maintenance work falls under the AMC's responsibility and that the ASI has no direct role in this particular aspect of upkeep, despite the broader protected status of the Summer Palace complex.
Broader Implications for Heritage Conservation
This jurisdictional tussle highlights the ongoing challenges in preserving India's rich historical heritage when multiple government bodies claim authority over different aspects of monument maintenance. The case raises important questions about coordination between national archaeological authorities and local municipal bodies in protecting the nation's cultural treasures.
As the dispute continues, the immediate concern remains ensuring the structural safety of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue while respecting the legal frameworks governing protected monuments. The outcome of this conflict could set important precedents for how similar jurisdictional issues are handled at other historically significant sites across India.
