After weeks of sparring with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) over the right to pray at protected monuments, the Delhi Waqf Board is now on the warpath with the Department of Archaeology over heritage structures.

The Department of Archaeology has begun a notification process of monuments that will ultimately give the ‘protected status’ to 92 heritage structures. But the Waqf Board has sent in objections, claiming that some of these structures belong to the Board.

In the first phase, the Department covered 14 monuments but the Board claimed 10 of them as its property. They include the Tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan, Baghichi Ki Masjid, Chaumachi Khan’s Tomb and seven others in Mehrauli.

Chairman of the Board Mateen Ahmed said: “Ten of these monuments were transferred to us in 1970. Prayers are offered regularly at these structures. If the Department takes over, such activities will be prohibited.”

“Why should we part with our property?” Ahmed asked, adding, “But if the Department wants to conserve them, they are free to do so.”

Thirteen monuments in the second phase have been notified and the last day to file objections is October 11.

Members of the Waqf Board said objections are likely, though they are yet to ascertain which structures in the second list belong to them.

On the other hand, government officials are not worried at the rush of objections from the Waqf Board.

Additional Secretary (Art, Culture and Language) and Director, Department of Archaeology, Keshav Chandra said: “These monuments are significant heritage structures. They need the protection of the Department for conservation and maintenance. The necessary judicial proceedings will be carried out on the objections.”

... contd.