Patna HC Slams Bihar Govt Over Neglect of Ancient Barabar Caves

The Patna High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Bihar government over the poor upkeep of the ancient Barabar Caves, a nationally protected monument in Jehanabad district. Hearing a public interest petition, a single bench of Justice Rajiv Roy questioned the continuous negligence of the site, which dates back to the Mauryan period and is considered one of India's oldest surviving rock-cut caves.

The court drew sharp comparisons with other states, noting that they have taken proactive measures to preserve their cultural heritage while Bihar has failed to maintain the Barabar Caves. The bench sought a detailed response from the state government on the steps taken to protect the site, including security, cleanliness, and infrastructure for tourists. The petition alleged that the caves are suffering from encroachment, vandalism, and lack of basic amenities.

The court's intervention highlights the broader issue of heritage conservation in India, where many ancient sites remain neglected despite their historical significance. The Bihar government is now under pressure to outline a concrete plan for the restoration and promotion of the Barabar Caves. The next hearing is expected to assess the government's compliance, with potential implications for other heritage sites in the state.