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PREPARATION OF HERITAGE BYE LAWS FOR THE PROHIBITED AND
REGULATED AREAS OF ASI PROTECTED MONUMENTS
Pataleshwar Caves
Pune
Submitted to
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Prepared by
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
July 2012
CHAPTER 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Pataleshwar Caves (referred to as Bhamburda Caves in the ASI notification) dug in the
8th century lie in one of the busiest areas of the central part of Pune city. The site abuts a busy
junction and lies in the midst of a predominantly residential and institutional area. Nearby the
site is the old Gothan of Bhamburda.
The caves, today an active place of worship, lie below the surface of the surrounding ground
(hence the name) and are fronted by a sunken court at the end of a walkway from the road.
Nothing of the caves is seen from the road or the surrounding areas except from high places
on the plots immediately abutting it. A dense canopy of trees covers the site.
1.2 OBJECTIVE
While the overall objective of the bye laws is to protect the monument and its context, a few
specific objectives of this exercise are identified as follows:
1. Protecting the geological strata of and around the monument
2. Protecting the surface water drainage of and around the monument
3. Regulating the water content of the strata of and around the monument
4. Minimising pollution related deterioration of the monument
5. Preserving the environmental context of the monument
6. Identifying permissible compatible changes in the physical environment around the
monument
1.3 METHODOLOGY
The following methodology was followed for framing the bye laws:
1. Stating the significance of the monument
2. Identifying the possible elements of deterioration of the monument and their causes
3. Surveying the area around the monument, especially the Prohibited and Restricted
zones
4. Documenting the physical ground conditions as well as the prevailing development
control rules and development plan provisions those might affect the monument
adversely.
5. Detailing the cause- effect relationship between the documented conditions above and
the deterioration of the monument
6. Framing specific bye laws to arrest the deterioration and ensure the monuments life,
quality and experience.
7. Identifying concerns with new development and framing guidelines for future
development to be taken cognizance by the local planning and regulating authority.
CHAPTER 2
2.1. Brief historical background
The Pataleshwar caves, also referred to as Bhamburda Caves in the ASI notification of 1909
were dug during the reign of Kalchuri Rashtrakuts in the 8th century CE. The cave temples of
Bokardan and Rudreshwar in Aurangabad, those in Ambejogai, Kharusa in Latur and
Bhandak in Chandrapur were also built under the same patronage between the early 8th and
the end of the 10th century CE as was the more famous Kailas at Ellora.
Pune as a town only started growing from the 17th century onwards when Chatrapati Shivaji
came to settle here with his mother Jijabai. The town thereafter became the home of the
Peshwas in the 18th century and developed into a sizeable urban centre during the reign of
Peshwa Nanasaheb alias Balaji Bajirao. Somehow, the Pataleshwar caves do not find a
mention as a major place of worship during this period. Many temples, including many
dedicated to Shiva, were built in Pune during this period. But there is hardly any mention of
Pataleshwar caves.
James Fergusson in his book Cave Temples of India published in 1880 CE mentions
Pataleshwar Caves. The other historical association with the site is that of a holyman Jangli
Maharaj (the King of the Jungle) who meditated in the forest near Bhamburda village. After
his death in 1890, his disciples built a Samadhi next to the Pataleshwar Caves.
As of today, the Samadhi of Jangli Maharaj has grown to a temple complex with a fair
amount of visitors daily. The tree cover in the area is considerable compared to the
surroundings but by no means does one get an idea that this area may once have been a
forest. The terrain too has changed a lot due to cutting of the rocky patches and extensive
building activity.
2.2. Description of Monument & the site
The cave is cut in a low rocky outcrop such
that it is an underground space. Thus, nothing
of it is seen even from within the site till one
reaches the steps that lead down to its
forecourt.
The sunken forecourt is large and contains
the monolithic Nandi Mandap carved from
live rock. The longer side of the cave fronts
the court.
The cave consists of five longitudinal bays.
Three bays of colonnades front the fourth bay
with two sanctum sanctorums. The fifth bay
serves as the circumambulatory path.
The sanctum sanctorum is an enclosed room
holding the diety. It has a single entry
marked by a pronounced and robust door
frame in stone.
The fifth bay is unfinished at its northern
end. This is also the darkest bay. Its presence
The columns are on a grid. A strip base
receives all columns in the longitudinal
is important for the sanctum sanctorums to
stand as detached rooms inside the cave.
direction thereby emphasising the length of
the interior space.
The interiors receive filtered light from its
long front. The front three aisles are well lit
with natural light.
The chief deity of the temple is Shiva and is
actively worshipped. There is a continuous
trickle of devotes throughout the day.
The Pune region sits on the plateau immediately abutting the Western Ghats. The ridge of the
Western Ghats here is not very steep. Hence, many trade routes passed through this area
linking ports in the Kokan region to trade centres on the Deccan plateau. Trade routes were
often associated with Buddhist rock cut sites and this region is dotted with them. The well-
known sites of Karla and Bhaja are at a distance of not more than 50 km from the current
Pune city where the Pataleshwar caves are located.
Pataleshwar is an example of Hindu rock cut temple. It is 30.5 m wide x 48.8 m deep out of
which a 30.5m x 30.5 m portion forms an open to sky court. The plan is organised as five
horizontal tiers of long aisles. The first aisle fronts the open court and is divided into 9 bays
while the fourth aisle contains three sanctum sanctorums. The cave temple is devoid of any
sculptural adornment. Traces of panels depicting scenes from Shaiva and Vaishnav
mythology are seen. A unique feature is the free standing circular Nandi Mandap in the court
supported on 12 columns. The work seems incomplete since there are incomplete portions
left at the rear and sides of the cave.
The cave faces the East as was the convention for a Hindu temple. At the time it was made,
the land must have gradually sloped from the caves to the two rivers which are nearby.
Today, this context has become obscure due to the extensive development that has happened
around the site.
The value of the cave is in its antiquity, as a link in the progressive development of Hindu
cave temples and its unique Nandi Mandap. It is also rare that a cave temple is carved in such
a low lying rock outcrop so that it may be classified as an underground temple.
The only access to the site is through the busy Jangali Maharaj Road. The site has a high
compound wall with two small gates. The gates open on a narrow footpath that is usually
flanked by dense parking. A bus stop also abuts the compound wall. Traffic flows at a
distance of a few paces of the gate. Since the cave is below ground and the road side edge of
the site is crowded with parking, the site is hardly noticeable from the road. There are many
passer-bys who are unaware of this site.
2.3. Notification Details and drgs
No 1230- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the
Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 (VII of 1904), the Governor in Council is
pleased to declare the following ancient monuments in the Poona District to be
protected monuments within the meaning of the said Act:-
Serial No. Place where the monument is
situated
Name or
description of
the monument
Class of
monument or
other remarks
Taluka Town or village
11 Haveli Poona The Cave
Temple of
Bhamburda
II (a)
2.4. Significances
Architectural Significance:
Cave temples in this region are usually carved on natural or manmade scarps of hills.
Pataleshwar though is carved in a rocky outcrop on land that does not rise even a few meters
above its surroundings. It is a rare example of a cave temple carved in such a low lying rock
outcrop that it may be classified as an underground temple. It is an improvisation on the plan
of a cave temple since it achieves its large size with a larger width than depth thereby
improving the light penetration inside.
Historical Significance:
It belongs to the 8th century CE and is contemporary with a lot of other significant caves in
Maharashtra including Ellora. It is associated with the Kalchuri Rashtrakuts who were the
most powerful rulers in this region at that time. The caves are much older than the city of
Pune and its other historical monuments.
Archaeological Significance:
This 8th century CE cave temple was carved out during the reign of the Rashtrakuts in this
region. It is carved unusually, below the ground surface and hence its name Pataleshwar. The
cave shows traces of sculpted panels depicting mythological scenes but all of these are badly
weathered. The original context of the cave temple is also lost due to extensive urban
development surrounding it, thus leaving it to conjecture.
Cultural Significance:
The site is an active place of worship. Special occasions related to Shiva, who is the principal
deity herein are celebrated in the premises. Especially grand is the celebration of Tripuri
Poornima when the entire campus is lit up with thousands of oil/ wax lamps.
Geographical Significance:
The temple is carved in a rocky outcrop of local basalt rock. The location is near the
confluence of two rivers viz Mula and Mutha towards which the land slopes gently from the
site. The site was originally a part of a forest but the original context has long been lost.
Technological Significance:
It is a large cave carved out by hand tools using manual labour. The free standing Mandap
carved out of monolithic rock in the front court is a significant feat and predates the
freestanding structures carved at Ellora.
2.5. Vision statement
Protection of the site from all kinds of deterioration and re-establishing some semblance of its
original context despite its location in today’s urban centre.
CHAPTER 3
Present day situation analysis
3.1. Assessment of (1) historic, (2) archaeological, (3) Architectural and (any other)
context of the monument / site
Historic
The Pataleshwar caves, also referred to as Bhamburda Caves in the ASI notification of 1909
were dug during the reign of Kalchuri Rashtrakuts in the 8th century CE. The other historical
association with the site is that of a holyman Jangli Maharaj (the King of the Jungle) who
meditated in the forest near Bhamburda village. After his death in 1890, his disciples built a
smadhi next to the Pataleshwar Caves.
As of today, the Samadhi of Jangli Maharaj has grown to a temple complex with a fair
amount of visitors daily. The tree cover in the area is considerable compared to the
surroundings but by no means does one get an idea that this area may once have been a
forest. The terrain too has changed a lot due to cutting of the rocky patches.
Archaeological
This 8th century CE cave temple was carved out during the reign of the Rashtrakuts in this
region. It is carved unusually, below the ground surface and hence its name Pataleshwar. The
cave shows traces of sculpted panels depicting mythological scenes but all of these are badly
weathered. The original context of the cave temple is also lost due to extensive urban
development surrounding it, thus leaving it to conjecture.
Architectural
The cave is valuable for its antiquity, as a link in the progressive development of Hindu cave
temples and its unique Nandi Mandap. It is also rare that a cave temple is carved in such a
low lying rock outcrop so that it may be classified as an underground temple. Being a rock
cut edifice, the threat is any problem to the rock strata, to the drainage pattern, weathering of
the live rock and any irreversible intervention in the site. No other architectural structure or
remain from this era exist nearby the cave. Even the natural context of the cave is lost.
3.2. Delineation of Prohibited and Regulated area around the Notified area and brief
description of the surrounding:
Diliniation of the Prohibited and Regulated areas.
The Prohibited Area within the distance of 100m from the edge of the site and the Restricted
Area at a further distance of 200 m from the Prohibited Area is marked on the following
figure.
The Northern edge of the site abuts public buildings- viz the Shivajinagar Post Office and the
Shivajinagar Telephone Exchange. The rest of the Northern edge along with the entire
Western edge is defined by compound walls of neighbouring residential plots. The area is
planned and plot sizes are large. Originally, it was planned for individual houses but most
have them have now been converted to walk-up apartment blocks. The Southern edge is fully
shared with the large plot of the Jangli Maharaj Samadhi. A modest structure sits on this plot
leaving majority of the land as open space shaded by tall canopy trees. The 30m wide Jangli
Maharaj Road defines the Eastern edge of the site. This is one of the busiest roads in the city
and is dotted by off-street parking bays and commercial establishments.
The Nothern side of the Prohibited Area comprises of residential walk up apartments and a
portion of the plot having the hostels of the College of Engineering, Pune. The Western and
the Southern portion of the Prohibited Area too comprises of residential walk ups in addition
to the temple of Jangli Maharaj. The Eastern portion of the prohibited area contains mixed-
use buildings of less than 16m height except one that is @20m.
The Restricted Area on the Northern side covers the hostel plots of the College of
Engineering, Pune where construction of a high-rise (@36m) hostel block is nearing
completion. The North-Eastern part of the Restricted Area has a large campus of the office of
the Meteorological Survey of India, their main building being a listed Grade I heritage
structure of the Pune Municipal Corporation. The Western and South- Western portion of the
Restricted Area comprises of a few walk-up apartments. A major portion of this area belongs
to the Police Department with a few residential and office buildings and open air stores,
vehicle yards, etc. All structures in this plot are low rise and hardly visible from anywhere
outside. The Southern portion of the Restricted Area covers the plot of the Modern High
School which is a large 4 storeyed stone building along with some new 4 storeyed buildings
added along the periphery. The Southern and the South-Eastern portions of the Restricted
Area cover a large part of the Bhamburda Gaothan characterised by dense buildings of not
more than 4 storey in height but with shared walls and abutting winding and narrow roads.
The area is predominantly residential with small ground floor shops mostly for daily
convenience and supporting the activities on the Jangli Maharaj Road. The Eastern portion of
the Restricted Area covers the edge of the Bhamburda village that has developed into
commercial buildings, though still less than 3-4 storey. It also covers the institutional campus
of the Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School and a small portion of the District Court
campus. The North-Eastern portion is the building 3 storey building of the Institute of
Engineers and beyond that is the cricket ground of the College of Engineering, Pune.
Three major roads pass through the Restricted and Prohibited Areas viz the Jangli Maharaj
Road, the Shivaji Road and the median of the Ganeshkhind Road. All are major arteries of
the city. The Jangli Maharaj and the Shivaji Road cross each other in the Prohibited area
while the others cross each other in the Restricted Area. There have been proposals to run
Metro/ Monorail lines on these roads and flyovers/ underpasses are being built and planned
too.
Prohibited Area:
The immediate neighbour on the South of the
site is the temple of Jangali Maharaj. This
vernacular temple also sits on a rocky
outcrop that is a few meters higher than the
one in which the Pataleshwar caves are dug.
Immediately outside the premises on the East
is the Jangali Maharaj road, one of the busy
arteries of the city.
The Prohibited area of the Jangali Maharaj
road has mixed use buildings not more than
16m in height.
The Shivajinagar post office is one of the
immediate neighbours of the cave.
The Shivaji road on the North is a busy artery
and falls in the Prohibited area.
The North and the West boundary of the site
is shared by residential plots.
Most of the buildings in the northern and
Western residential area are private
bungalows. A few have been converted to
walk-up apartment buildings.
The Southern edge of the Prohibited area is
marked by a small road leading to the
residential area on the site’s west. Various
kiosks have sprung up on this road.
Restricted Area:
Commercial development on the Northern
boundary of the Restricted area.
College of Engineering Grounds
Shree Shivaji Preparatory Military School on
the Eastern edge of the Restricted area.
The Bhamburda Gaothan forms the major
portion of the southern edge.
The Jangali Maharaj Road passing through
both, the Prohibited and Restricted areas.
The WIE sports complex near the Modern
highschool compound on the south-western
edge.
3.3. Assessment of physical and visual environmental quality of the surrounding
3.3.1. Landuse
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Landuse The site falls in a planned area of the city
and therefore has defined and regulated
landuse and planned infrastructure. The
area in the immediate vicinity of the site is
residential. Earlier, it was occupied by G+1
storey private houses most of which have
given way to 3 to 5 storey apartment
blocks. The Jangli Maharaj road being a
busy road has steadily shown an increase
in commercial development, especially
offices, showrooms and eateries. Some
plots in the restricted zone are earmarked
for commercial development. A majority
of the area in the restricted zone is
institutional but in the recent years, two of
these institutions have shown a spur in
Positive Impact:
Since the area is planned and
landuse is designated in the
development plan, there is little
chance of unplanned growth and
encroachment.
Being a predominantly institutional
area, the density of resident
population is low. Also,
commercial activity is restricted as
also is pollution. Institutional areas
as of today also offer a large
portion of un-built open area that
can be potentially green.
Negative Impact:
Prohibited Area:
Conversion of institutional/ public- semipublic or
green areas to residential or commercial not
permitted. Conversion of residential to commercial
landuse not permitted.
Residential Area to remain completely residential
without exception. Mixed use development to be
restricted to Jangli Maharaj road. Mixed use to
consist of 75 % Residential Use and 25 %
Commercial Use.
Restriction on introduction of new landuse that
may be harmful to the monument.
FSI, height and footprint restrictions to ensure
volume and mass distribution of the built
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
17
building activity, the most recent being the
10+ storey hostel building of the College
of Engineering in the restricted zone. The
Bhamburda Gaothan classified as
congested area and with a different set of
building bye laws also falls within the
restricted zone. Historically, this has been
a low rise area but recent buildings have
risen to 5 storeys.
Parking is a major problem in the area.
Virtually all streets have off street parking
that is almost full at all times. The traffic
has increased so much that major roads
have been designated as one ways. There is
a lot of traffic generated noise and smoke.
Being a planned area for most part, the
water and drainage lines are laid
underground and supply each plot of land.
With the increase in the occupancy of the
The commercial landuse proposed
along the main roads generates a lot
of parking requirement, most of
which is accommodated along the
road side.
Residential plots in the planned
area are large and profitable for real
estate development in the form of
apartment buildings or hotels. This
will increase the population
density, traffic and supporting
component of commercial activity.
Institutions will grow and build up
their open areas. These could take
the form of undesirable high rise
developments like the one
happening in the compound of
engineering college hostels.
environment.
Control on TDR usage in the area.
Service ducts and pipelines to follow restrictions on
excavation.
Control on solid waste storage and collection
centres in Prohibited Area.
No road/ rail building activity that violates
excavation norms stated above.
Any transport plan that will in effect increase the
traffic load on the roads in the Prohibited Area is
not allowed.
No road widening in the Prohibited Area.
Restriction on introduction of any mass rapid
transit system that requires construction above or
below ground in the prohibited area except relaying
of road surface.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
18
area, the old service lines will soon be
needed to be replaced with larger ones. The EWS reservation on the South-
West part of the restricted area is a
potential land for large scale high
FSI residential or mixed use
development.
Road projects like flyovers though
not a part of the current DP may be
proposed especially at the major
crossroads in the prohibited and
restricted zones. An underpass has
recently been constructed just at the
edge of the restricted zone on
Ganeshkhind road.
A metro project is also being
discussed for the city and though
the DPR is not published yet, the
newspaper announcements
mentioned Jangli Maharaj road as
one of the routes for the overhead
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
19
metro. This will pass through both,
the prohibited and restricted zones.
A metro will be a threat not only in
the construction phase due to the
large scale excavation needed in the
prohibited zone which will disturb
the strata, but also in the operation
phase due to the vibrations it will
create in the ground. Other than
that, it will be a visual mismatch for
a site whose context ideally should
be restored to some extent.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
20
Residential Open Space Education Govt/ P-S Commercial Gaothan EWS
Landuse Map of Pataleshwar Surroundings
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
21
The Jangali Maharaj road has a mixed use development. Most
residences though have been converted to offices.
One side of the Shivaji road abuts the hostels of the COEP while the
other abuts the office of the meteorological department.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
22
Commercial building on the junction of Ganeshkhind road and Jangali
Maharaj road. This plot is marked for commercial development in the
development plan.
Institutional buildings of the SSPMS.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
23
Bhamburda Gaothan is predominantly residential but main roads have
small shops on the ground floor.
Restaurants and eateries dominate the ground floors of most buildings
on the Jangali Maharaj road.
3.3.2. Community Profile -
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
24
Community
Profile
The site is an active temple. There is a
continuous trickle of devotees coming to
this site. Special occasions related to
Shiva, who is the principal deity are
celebrated here in the premises. Especially
grand is the celebration of Tripuri
Poornima when the entire campus is lit up
with thousands of oil/ wax lamps. The site
due to its dense green canopy and lesser
noise levels as compared to the
surroundings is a favourite resting, sitting
spot for visitors and residents in the
vicinity.
The surrounding areas are institutional.
The cricket ground nearby belonging to the
College of Engineering, Pune is sometimes
given out for exhibitions and fairs. The
college has built a ten storey high hostel
building in one of its plots. The Modern
Positive Impact:
The relevance of the site to the
community is intact. There is
vigilance from the community
against misuse and vandalism.
The neighbouring temple of Jangali
Maharaj shares some visitors with
Pataleshwar thereby increasing
visitorship.
The resident community and the
users of the institutional campuses
around are largely educated and
informed. It could be expected that
there would be a very remote
possibility for unlawful activity es
from this community.
Negative Impact:
Prohibited Area:
No construction or installation- temporary or
permanent- that involves excavation is allowed.
Any form of celebration/ event that generates noise
beyond 40 decibels is not allowed.
No tolerance zone for illegal hawkers.
Restricted Area:
Temporary installations may be permitted provided
they do not require excavation below 1m
Any form of celebration/ event that generates noise
beyond 40 decibels is not allowed.
No tolerance zone for illegal hawkers.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
25
Highschool is an old institution in the city
where hundreds of children study. The
Badminton sports complex on its premises
is the venue for many state and national
level badminton tournaments. The Jangali
Maharaj Road is a busy thoroughfare of
the city and is especially populated by a lot
of big and small eateries. There is also a
petrol pump opposite the site on this this
road. Comparatively, the Meteorological
Office campus is quiet and one with very
little public activity.
The people coming to surrounding
area park their vehicles in front of
the site leaving no space for visitor
parking nor proper pedestrian entry
to the site.
Informal vendors sometimes
occupy footpath space.
Over enthusiastic devotees may be
sometimes dangerous.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
26
The cave without the newly erected compound
wall was more accessible.
The premises are a favourite resting place of
people in the busy area.
Celebrations at Pataleshwar.
3.3.3. Circulation System
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Circulation The site is at the busy junction of two
major arteries of the city. Due to heavy
traffic, both these arteries have one way
traffic. The restricted zone also has two
Positive impact:
Being along a busy road, the site is
very accessible.
Prohibited and Restricted Area:
No widening of the roads passing through the
prohibited area at least till one junction beyond it
from where traffic of the remaining portion of the
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
27
other major junctions- one of the Jangali
Maharaj Road with the Ganeshkhind road
and one of the Shivaji road with the
Ganeshkhind road. The junction of the
Jangali Maharaj road with the
Ganeshkhind road has an underpass for
vehicles. A number of flyovers have been
built on the Ganeshkhind road and one
may be proposed on its junction with the
Shivaji road in the future. There is also a
possibility of proposing a flyover on the
junction inside the prohibited area.
A metro proposal mentions Jangali
Maharaj Road as its route. This may pass
through both, the prohibited and the
restricted area.
Pedestrian facilities in the area are very
meagre and poor. There is hardly any
footpath outside the site. Parking has
Negative Impact:
Roads need constant widening and
after that may need two tiers to
accommodate growing traffic. They
thus become generators of noise,
smoke and vibration which is
harmful to the site.
Road widening proposals will eat
into the site.
Flyovers or metros will generate
noise as well as their construction
would entail large scale excavation
and disturbance to the strata
thereby threatening the cave.
Pedestrian access to the site has
become difficult and unsafe.
Lack of parking facilities
widened road may be diverted.
Footpaths to be at least 2.4m wide on both sides of
major roads and 1.5 m wide on all minor roads.
Underground or overhead metro/ monorail/ skybus
or any other modes of transport that entails
construction other than surface roads is not allowed
in the prohibited and the restricted areas. No
flyover allowed in the prohibited area.
A no parking zone of 10m on either side of the
entrance to the site. Surface parking space
exclusively reserved for visitors of the site to be
created near the site in the prohibited area and a
safe pedestrian link between the parking and the
site to be provided.
All development permissions for new buildings to
ensure adequate parking in their own premises.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
28
overtaken almost all the roadside space.
The entry to the site is non-descript. It has
a double layer of street parking
surrounding it leaving very little
foreground to the gate. There is no sinage
except the mandatory ASI notices to
announce the site.
discourages visitors.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
29
The Jangali Maharaj road, now designated a one-way. The entry to the site is non-descript and often obscured by parked
vehicles.
A major junction of the Jangali Maharaj and Shivaji road the
Prohibited area.
Ganeshkhind road is another major artery on the northern edge of
the Restricted area.
3.3.4. Open spaces and Natural features
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
30
Open Spaces
and Natural
Features
The temple is carved out of a rocky
outcrop. The stone is black basalt. The
outcrop rises towards the South and slopes
towards the North so that the Jangli
Maharaj temple on the adjacent plot is a
few meters above the Pataleshwar temple.
Similar rocky outcrops are seen as traces in
the immediate vicinity of this site. Though
their connection and continuity has been
permanently destroyed due to development
activity.
The area demonstrates good vegetation
cover. Large shade giving trees dot not
only the site but a large part of the area.
The river is half a km away from the site.
The site is surrounded by institutional
campuses with large open spaces. These
open spaces are of different sizes, use and
character ranging from sports grounds to
Positive impact:
A considerable green cover exists
in the area with the possibility of
adding more wherever appropriate.
Negative Impact:
The natural setting of the cave is
nearly lost or obscured.
Construction activity disturbs the
strata and the water table as also the
surface water drains.
Open grounds of institutions are
sometimes used for public events
causing surge in traffic and related
pollution.
Prohibited and Restricted Area:
No excavation below 4.5 m in Prohibited Area and
7.5 m in Restricted Area
Excavation to be carried out only by traditional
hand tools. No blasting or machine breaking
technique to be used.
Earth work that:
1. Changes the natural ground level by more
than 1m
2. Alters the natural slope of the land
3. Alters the water drainage pattern of the area
4. Alters the water table of the area
5. Alters the composition of the natural strata
Is not allowed in the prohibited area.
No altering of the hard rock strata for any purpose
including landscaping or road making is permitted.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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unused plot areas. The residential plots on
the West of the site also have a footprint of
max 50% of plot area and good green
cover.
No artificial recharging of the aquifer is permitted.
The rock in which the cave is dug continues beyond the compound wall
of the site.
The adjacent rock on which the temple of Jangali Maharaj sits is a few
meters higher than the Pataleshwar temple.
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The site is covered with a canopy of old evergreen trees. The
surrounding residential area also has a considerable green cover.
Then land around the caves is rocky. Rocky outcrops can be seen in parts
of the Prohibited area.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Contour map showing the site in the larger context of the hills and the two rivers.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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3.3.5. Infrastructure
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Infrastructure Parking is a major problem in the area.
Virtually all streets have off street parking
that is almost full at all times. The traffic
has increased so much that major roads
have been designated as one ways. There is
a lot of traffic generated noise and smoke.
Being a planned area for most part, the
water and drainage lines are laid
underground and supply each plot of land.
With the increase in the occupancy of the
area, the old service lines will soon be
needed to be replaced with larger ones.
Positive Impact:
Since it is a planned area, all
service lines are planned and laid
underground.
Services are adequate for the
current occupancy.
Service lines are maintained and
any break or leak or spill is
attended to.
Negative Impact:
With the development area, more
services will be needed and that
would entail excavation for laying
down service lines.
Service ducts and pipelines to follow restrictions on
excavation.
No solid waste storage and collection centres
permitted in Prohibited Area.
No road/ rail building activity that violates
excavation norms stated above.
Any transport plan that will in effect increase the
traffic load on the roads in the Prohibited Area is
not allowed.
No road widening in the Prohibited Area.
Parking facilities for occupants and visitors inside
the premises of all buildings to be made
compulsory.
No overhead cables of any kind permitted.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Parking requirement is increasing
day by day and road sides are filled
with parking. Parking facilities
inside building premises are highly
inadequate.
3.3.6. Architecture
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Architecture Development Plan shows the site as
classified into a ‘Green’ landuse. The areas
around the site shows plotted residential
development in the immediate vicinity.
Major area around the site is institutional.
A part of the Bhamburda Gaothan falls
within the restricted area. FAR permissible
in the area is 1 while that in the Gaothan is
Prohibited Area:
Landuse to remain strictly residential, institutional
(semi- public) or green and not to be converted to
any other landuse. FAR not be increased beyond
the existing 1 even in the Gaothan area. Ground
coverage restrictions to remain as per current
development plan while height to be restricted to
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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1.5. Ground coverage is 50% while that in
the Gaothan is 66%. Permissible max
heights are 30 m and 24 m in the other area
and the Gaothan area respectively.
For description of the surrounding
buildings, refer to 3.2 above.
12m.
No road widening is allowed. Flyover/ grade
separator elevated metro track/ monorail track, etc.
not to be allowed in the prohibited area.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Construction work in progress as per the PMC’s DC rules in the
Restricted area. Highrises like this are questionable keeping in view the
visual environment, excavation required and traffic generated by them.
Another one of the new buildings opposite the site in the Prohibited area.
Permissions to these buildings are a mystery to the general citizen who is
aware of the Prohibited and Restricted zones.
3.3.7. Visual analysis
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
38
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION IMPACT SUGGESTED STRATEGY
Visual
Analysis
The site is a rock cut cave sculpted in an
outcrop of basaltic rock that very slightly
rises above the surrounding ground. The
cave is made such that the rock is cut into a
huge pit and then the cave is dug within
the remaining rock from that sunken level.
Thus from the surrounding ground, one
does not notice any trace of a man made
structure. The appearance from the road is
that of a rocky outcrop with a large canopy
of trees. The sunken level is seen from the
higher ground of the adjacent Jangali
Maharaj temple which also is characterised
by thick and green vegetation and un-built
grounds. The views form the site are those
of the residential buildings on its periphery
that are at a higher level than the site and
that of the Jangali Maharaj road on one
Prohibited Area:
The buildings built on plots sharing a boundary
with the site thereby affecting the visual experience
of the site to leave a setback of 6m from the site
boundary and a height of not more than 9m.
The building heights in the prohibited area not to
go beyond 16m.
The buildings masses need to be such that they do
not overpower the view of the cave temple from its
approach road. The elevations and materials also
need to be used in a way that they do not take away
from the visual experience of the site.
The building design needs to be approved by the
ASI for its massing, material and finishes and for
its compliance with the other restrictions.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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side. The immediate vicinity is visually
quite contrasting with the site. The Jangali
Maharaj road has commercial and mixed
use buildings that range visually from non-
descript modern to jarring glass façade
boxes.
Restricted Area:
The visual contours of the surrounding area need to
be preserved.
Buildings not to exceed a height of 21m in the
Restricted Area inclusive of all building elements.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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The site is hardly recognisable from the main road since it is an
underground structure. It is further obscured due to parking, hoardings
and general disorganised road edge.
The entry to the site does not have any spill-over space on the footpath.
In fact, most of the times, the footpath is encroached by vehicular
parking. There is no signage to announce the site.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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The cave being below the surrounding ground level is not visible even
from inside the site till from a few meters of the steps that lead the visitor
down.
The surrounding buildings as seen from near the entry to the site.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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From the sunken court of the temple, the compound wall of the adjacent
Jangali Maharaj temple is seen on the southern side.
On the northern edge of the site are G+1 bungalows. These are not very
conspicuous from the sunken court.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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The tree cover conceals the unsightly views around the site to a great
extent.
The buildings on the adjacent plots mar the ambience of the cave temple.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Immediately outside the site are new buildings disparate with each other
as well as the context of the place.
A petrol pump and rear side of the bus stop as seen from the site.
3.3.8. Administration – Roles and responsibilities of different local authorities, departments, NGOs etc.
CHAPTER 4
4.1. Rationale for redefining the regulated areas
The 100m and 300 m circles intersect most plot or road lines such that only parts of these fall in
the prohibited or regulated zone. This creates confusion of what and whether the stated
regulations apply to them. To avoid this confusion, it is proposed to revise the marker lines such
that they include the entire plot that they cross. The inclusion happens such that all the plots that
are partly in the prohibited zone and partly in the restricted zone get fully included in the
prohibited zone. The plots that are partly in the restricted zone and partly in the area beyond that
get fully included in the restricted zone.
The restricted area of Pataleshwar also includes a portion of an urban village or ‘Gaothan’. It is
proposed that for the sake of uniform application of the regulations, the entire ‘Gaothan’ of
Bhamburda/ Shivajinagar be brought under the restricted area.
The northern edge of the restricted area passes through the middle of the Ganeshkhind road. It is
proposed that the full width of this road from its junction with the Jangali Maharaj Road to its
junction with the Shivaji Road be brought under the restricted area.
4.2. Sub zoning of prohibited and regulated areas.
The Bhamburda (Shivajinagar) Gaothan due to its vernacular fabric and character and as a
historical settlement is considered as a subzone only for implementing Principles of Development
for subjects in addition to those covered in the byelaws made for the Prohibited and Restricted
Areas and stated in the Chapter 5 of this document.
4.3. Drafting of Heritage bye laws
Note: These regulations only cover those aspects of development that are connected with the
ASI site. All other regulations remain same as applicable according to the Pune Municipal
Corporation’s Development Control Rules. In case of conflict between the two, the Heritage
Regulations will prevail.
All development works, proposed constructions and building design needs to be approved
by the ASI for their massing, building processes and technology and material and finishes
and for its compliance with the other restrictions.
Landuse (Zoning):
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
46
Prohibited and Regulated Areas:
1. Only residential, public/ semi-public (educational, cultural, playground, garden or open
space) or green belt zoning is permitted. All other zoning including zoning for industrial
(including brick kiln), public/ semi-public (including traffic and transportation, shopping),
commercial, water body, agriculture, and others (including drainage treatment, octroi,
aerodrome) are not permitted.
2. Any other zones existing in the Prohibited and Regulated Area should be converted to
permitted zoning listed in (1) above.
3. Conversion of existing public- semi-public or green zones to residential not permitted.
4. No change in residential zoning is permitted. Mixed use development is to be restricted
only to plots abutting Jangli Maharaj road and fully contained in the Bhamburda
(Shivajinagar) gaothan as demarcated by the Pune Municipal Corporation. Mixed use
should consist of 75 % Residential Use and 25 % Commercial Use in terms of built area
usage. Permitted commercial uses in residential buildings are to be referred from the bye
laws of the Pune Municipal Corporation.
5. The maximum tenement density of the area should not exceed 120 tenements per hectare
while that of the Bhamburda (Shivajinagar) gaothan it could be relaxed to 250 tenements
per hectare.
6. No subdivision of land is allowed in the Prohibited and Regulated Areas.
Building Control:
Prohibited Area:
For Projects mentioned in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
(Framing of heritage bye-laws and other functions of the competent authority) Rules, 2011 in rule
6 (category I):
1. Maximum Permissible FSI is 1
2. Height restriction inclusive of all building elements is 9 m from natural ground of the plot.
For plots abutting the Protected Area, height restriction is 6 m from the natural ground of
the plot.
3. Ground Coverage is 50% maximum.
4. No TDR is to be used in this area.
5. All new buildings to have adequate parking in their own premises as per PMC norms.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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6. No excavation over 1.5 m permitted for building foundations or any other purpose. In no
case should excavation in hard rock go more than 0.9 m in depth. Excavation is to be only
done with non-vibrating hand tools. No use of blasting of any kind is permitted for
excavation. No excavation of any kind to be done in a 6 m wide area abutting the
boundary of the protected site and especially where the rock contiguous with the caves is
found.
7. The buildings built on plots sharing a boundary with the site to leave a setback of 6m from
the site boundary and a height not more than 9 m.
For Repair and Renovation Projects mentioned in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains (Framing of heritage bye-laws and other functions of the competent authority)
Rules, 2011 in rule 6 (category VI):
1. Recurring repairs and maintenance items like colouring, polishing, surface cleaning,
surface water-proofing, plumbing and drainage on the consumer side of the municipal
connection, electric cabling on the consumer side from the electric meter, cleaning and
replacing of roof tiles, window panes, surface cladding with the same material, and repairs
to window/ door/ balcony grills may be carried out with a one- time permission without
changing the specifications mentioned in the one-time permission.
2. Repairs and renovation items excluding structural repairs are permissible if:
a. They do not increase the footprint or height of the building.
b. They do not increase the number of usable storeys of the building including
terraces
c. They do not alter the ground levels nor disturb natural surface water drains.
d. They do not cause structural damage to the building.
e. They do not change the residential use of the building by altering its essential parts
to function as one.
3. Structural repairs and renovation is permissible if:
a. They do not increase the footprint or height of the building.
b. They do not increase the number of usable storeys of the building including
terraces.
c. They do not alter the ground levels nor disturb natural surface water drains.
d. They do not put the building at risk of part or complete collapse.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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e. They do not entail any excavation below the permissible limits in the prohibited
area as stated below:
i) No excavation to go more than 1.5 m in depth from the natural
surface of the surrounding ground.
ii) In no case should excavation in hard rock go more than 0.9 m in
depth.
iii) Excavation is to be only done with non-vibrating hand tools. No
use of blasting of any kind is permitted for excavation.
iv) No excavation of any kind to be done in a 6 m wide area abutting
the boundary of the protected site and especially where the rock
is contiguous with the caves.
f. They do not change the residential use of the building by altering its essential parts
to function as one.
4. If any building within the Prohibited area is designated as a Heritage building by any
Government department including the Municipal Corporation, a concession may be given
in the above provisions only for items that will help protect the heritage value of the
building and increase its life.
Regulated Area:
For Projects mentioned in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
(Framing of heritage bye-laws and other functions of the competent authority) Rules, 2011 in rule
6 (category V and VII):
1. Maximum Permissible FSI is 1
2. Height restriction inclusive of all building elements is 16 m from natural ground of the
plot.
3. Ground Coverage is 50% maximum.
4. No TDR is to be used in this area.
5. All new buildings to have adequate parking in their own premises as per PMC norms.
6. No excavation over 4.5 m depth is permitted for any purpose including foundations and
basements. Excavation is to be only done with non-vibrating hand tools. No use of
blasting of any kind is permitted for excavation.
Infrastructure:
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Prohibited and Restricted Areas:
For Projects mentioned in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
(Framing of heritage bye-laws and other functions of the competent authority) Rules, 2011 in rule
6 (category II):
1. No habitable superstructure is permitted.
2. Height restriction inclusive of all building elements as well as other movable and
immovable components is 9 m.
3. Ground coverage is 25% maximum including underground and above ground
construction.
4. No TDR that may be generated from any projects in the prohibited and restricted area
can be used in these areas. No other TDR too can be used in both the prohibited and
restricted areas.
5. No excavation to go more than 1.5 m in depth from the natural surface of the
surrounding ground. In no case should excavation in hard rock go more than 0.9 m in
depth. Excavation is to be only done with non-vibrating hand tools. No use of blasting
of any kind is permitted for excavation. No excavation of any kind to be done in a 6 m
wide area abutting the boundary of the protected site and especially where the rock
contiguous with the caves is found.
6. No solid waste storage and collection centres are allowed in Prohibited Area.
7. No widening of the roads passing through the prohibited and restricted areas at least
till one junction beyond it
8. Footpaths to be at least 2.4m wide on both sides of major roads width more than 12 m
and 1.5 m wide on all minor roads (up to 12 m including 12 m).
9. No road/ rail building activity that violates excavation norms stated above in (5). No
overhead road/ rail or any other means of transport permitted in the Prohibited Area.
10. No overhead cables of any kind permitted.
Other Regulations:
Other regulations as per The Second Schedule of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains (Framing of heritage bye-laws and other functions of the competent authority)
Rules, 2011:
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Prohibited Area:
1. Construction or installation of any temporary nature but which involves excavation below
0.6 m below existing ground surface or to any depth in the rock strata is not allowed.
2. Any form of activity that generates noise more than 70-80 dB inside the Protected Area or
more than 40-50 dB inside the actual monument is not allowed.
3. Underground or overhead metro/ monorail/ skybus, flyovers or any other modes of
transport that entails construction other than surface roads is not allowed in the prohibited
area. No grade separator entailing excavation in hard rock is allowed in the prohibited
area. No mode of transport that sets in vibrations or emits smoke or noise above accepted
levels of pollution that may affect the rock strata of the cave is permitted.
4. A no parking zone of 10m on either side of the entrance to the site. Surface parking space
exclusively reserved for visitors of the site to be created near the site in the prohibited area
and a safe pedestrian link between the parking and the site to be provided.
5. Land adequate for setting up tourist facilities and a site office needs to be legally acquired
in the Prohibited Area and the facilities built.
6. All excavation to be carried out only by traditional hand tools. No blasting or machine
breaking technique to be used.
7. No permission for earth work that:
1. Changes the natural ground level by more than 1m
2. Alters the natural slope of the land
3. Alters the water drainage pattern of the area
4. Alters the water table of the area
5. Alters the composition of the natural strata
8. No altering of the hard rock strata for any purpose including landscaping or road making is
permitted.
9. No artificial recharging of the aquifer is permitted.
10. Any transport plan that will in effect increase the traffic load on the roads in the Prohibited
Area is not allowed.
11. The buildings masses need to be such that they do not overpower the view of the cave
temple from its approach road. The elevations and materials also need to be used in a way
that they do not take away from the visual experience of the site.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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12. No sky signs, neon signs or hoardings of any kind including traffic directing overhead
signboards to be permitted. Only signboards on buildings such as not to mar the building’s
elevation are permitted for activities carried out in that particular building.
13. No permanent floodlighting or high-mast lighting is permitted except for that which is
used to light road junctions.
14. No tolerance zone for hawking.
Regulated Area:
1. Temporary installations may be permitted provided they do not require excavation more
than 1m below existing ground level.
2. Any form of celebration/ event/ activity that increases noise beyond 70- 80 dB in the
Protected Area and 40-50 dB inside the actual monument is not allowed.
3. Underground or overhead metro/ monorail/ skybus, flyovers, grade separators or any other
modes of transport that entails excavation in the hard strata is not allowed in the Restricted
Area. No mode of transport that sets in vibrations or emits smoke or noise above accepted
levels of pollution that may affect the rock strata of the cave is permitted.
4. All excavation to be carried out only by traditional hand tools. No blasting or machine
breaking technique to be used.
5. No permission for earth work that:
1) Changes the natural ground level by more than 1m
2) Alters the natural slope of the land
3) Alters the water drainage pattern of the area
4) Alters the water table of the area
5) Alters the composition of the natural strata
6. No altering of the hard rock strata for any purpose including landscaping or road making is
permitted.
7. No artificial recharging of the aquifer is permitted.
8. The buildings masses need to be such that they do not overpower the view of the cave
temple from its approach road. The elevations and materials also need to be used in a way
that they do not take away from the visual experience of the site.
9. No sky signs, neon signs or hoardings of any kind including traffic directing overhead
signboards to be permitted. Only signboards on buildings such as not to mar the building’s
elevation are permitted for activities carried out in that particular building.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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CHAPTER 5 – Guidelines and Recommendations
Guidelines for all works in the Bhamburda (Shivajinagar) Gaothan area (entire area as
marked in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Development Plan).
The following Principles are formulated for all works to be carried out in the Bhamburda
(Shivajinagar) Gaothan area. These are not wishful ideals but should be used as criteria for
approving any works. It is suggested that all works satisfy all the criteria applicable.
1. Celebrating and respecting the vernacular architecture along with the fabric of the
traditional area.
2. Creating a contextually sensitive built form that refrains from pastiche.
3. Using durable, permanent and timeless materials for building.
4. Maintaining and creating coherent streetscapes and enhancing the pedestrian experience
on the streets.
5. Enhancing physical definition of streets and public spaces and making them places of
shared use.
6. Ensuring a mixed use development integrating residential, commercial and cultural use.
7. Providing broad range of housing types.
8. Maintaining a humane scale of built and open spaces.
9. Preserving the existing quietness of the area.
10. Creating built and un-built spaces that are safe and secure throughout the day and night for
all.
11. Ensuring development that enhances the community identity of the occupants of the area.
12. Integrating public art and culture in the overall development.
13. Adopting sustainability as an integral part of all works.
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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Formulated by: Ar Sharvey Dhongde, INTACH Pune Chapter
Consultants: Ar Rajiv Raje, Ar Ravi Patwardhan, Ar Hemant Sathe, Ar Chetan Sahasrabudhe,
and Sanjay Deshpande
Heritage Bye laws for Prohibited & Regulated areas of Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
54
Prepared by
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
71, Lodi Estate
New Delhi – 110003