Following persistent efforts by environmental activist and advocate Sarita Khanchandani, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially warned the Ambernath Municipal Council (AMC) to immediately halt alleged illegal concretisation activities being carried out within the prohibited radius of the ancient Shiv Mandir, a protected national monument.
In an email dated July 1, ASI’s Regional Director (West) T. Sreelakshmi instructed the municipal authorities to “refrain from undertaking any work not mentioned in the NoC issued.” The email further cautioned that “any violation will result in the permission being forcefully withdrawn.” A copy of the communication was also marked to Advocate Khanchandani.
On Wednesday, a team from the ASI visited the temple premises to inspect alleged violations, including structural deterioration caused by unauthorized digging and concretisation. Advocate Khanchandani, who accompanied the team, said she was assured by ASI officials that “appropriate action will be taken against those responsible, and if necessary, an FIR will be registered.”
Khanchandani, who has led a tireless campaign to protect the Shiv Mandir, said, “I have dedicated my life to fighting for this cause. This temple is not just a place of worship, but a vital piece of our heritage. I have approached several authorities — from the Collector’s office and ASI to the State Human Rights Commission, MPCB, Groundwater Department, and more — in my mission to preserve it.”
Alongside the ASI’s recent warning, Advocate Khanchandani has submitted a comprehensive list of 21 queries to ASI officials, questioning the transparency and functioning of temple management and alleged financial irregularities. Her concerns include:
• Absence of officially appointed priests by ASI and the unauthorized conduct of religious activities.
• Lack of bank accounts, donation records, and financial disclosures related to national and international contributions.
• Failure to maintain income tax filings, mandatory for any charitable trust.
• No documented permissions or credentials for individuals or groups conducting rituals and large-scale religious events like Mahashivratri or Sawan Mahotsav.
• Missing structural stability certificates and unclear details about funds, tenders, and government grants for repairs over the last 100 years.
She also demanded detailed information about donations in kind, such as grains and other offerings used for prasad distribution, and sought documentation on the appointment of temple managers and utility payments like electricity and water bills.
“Where is the accountability?” Khanchandani asked. “Who handles the massive donations this temple receives? Why is there no audit trail? If the ASI is the custodian of this national monument, then it must be answerable to the people.”
