NASHIK, Aug 8: The barricading of the ruins of a structure of the Peshwa period of Anandvalli by a hotelier, has kicked up a row, with the local Shiv Sena corporator and member of the civic standing committee Suresh Kisan Gaikwad, threatening to launch an agitation and urging the government to declare the structure as a protected monument.

Gaikwad has convened a meeting of the Anandvalli residents, where the ruins were situated, to mobilise the public on the issue. Gaikwad and the local Shiv Sainiks have made allegations of land grabbing against Sarang Hotels Pvt Ltd.

The ruins of the residential premises of Anandibai on a hillock near Anandvalli, are situated on an area of 1.02 hectare.

The area is included in Ward No 26 of the Nashik Municipal Corporation.Recently, a barbed wire fence was erected around the premises and signboards of Sarang Hotels were displayed along the fence. Some locals were issued notices. The agitators are demanding the takeover of the premises by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and its declaration as a protected monument. They have pointed out that the Anandvalli area was a part of the ancient Peshwa heritage.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.