(a) whether the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) of Japan has provided any financial assistance for the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details of work done with this assistance till date;
(c) Whether the Government have issued any order for the removal of shops from Ajanta and Ellora Caves; and
(d) if so, the details and progress in this regard ?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)
(a )& (b) The Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan now known as the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, has extended loan for improving the approach to the caves, including widening of pathways and construction of retaining walls and lighting of caves at Ajanta and Ellora.
(c) & (d) Legal procedure has been initiated for the removal of encroachments at Ajanta caves, as provided for under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.