Bengal Heritage Commission not looking into East-West Metro hurdle

The West Bengal Heritage Commission on Tuesday said it has no role in resolving the hurdle of presence of heritage buildings along the long delayed East-West Metro.

Beth El Synagogue, David Maghen Synagogue and the Currency Building are the three heritage sites situated along the proposed East-West Metro corridor. According to guidelines of the Ministry of Culture, construction within 100 metres of heritage buildings and archaeological sites is prohibited.

Asked about the issue, Secretary of the state Heritage Commission Umapada Chatterjee clarified that the issue rests with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

"ASI is the higher body. They will definitely look into it. The Commission has no role here. We only look into the work that comes to us so the Commission will not be interfering in this," Chatterjee told media here.

Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise Babul Supriyo had on Monday said a Union Cabinet note has been prepared to seek exemption of embargo on construction within 100 metres of heritage buildings to facilitate laying of tracks near three such structures in the metro corridor.

--IANS

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