BHOPAL: Entry of general public into the ‘auditorium cave’ of UNESCO world heritage site at Bhimbetka has been closed by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The decision has been taken after chipping off some rocks.
Earlier in February, an international journal published the presence of Dickinsonia fossils in Bhimbetka. Researchers believed the 17-inch-long fossils are Dickinsonia — the Earth’s ‘oldest animal’, dating back 570 million years. The fossils were on the roof of the now closed to public ‘Auditorium Cave’ at Bhimbetka. “We learnt that some small pieces of rock fell out in the night earlier in September. It is a rock, cracks or any similar depletion due to age can take place. Damage, if any, is being assessed by experts and conservation has been undertaken,” ASI Bhopal superintendent, Piyush Bhatt told TOI.
For about six weeks now, the cave code named ‘III F24’, has been out of bounds for visitors.
ASI: Safety of visitors paramount
Ensuring safety of the visitors is paramount,” said Bhatt. ASI officials are not revealing more information about the situation.
ASI officials also point out that closure is linked to conservation and restoration work. Wooden flooring is also being replaced in some sections of Bhimbetka.
During the 1990s there were four passages to the auditorium cave that is one of the most prominent caves in the complex and a must-include watch list on rock shelter tour.
