Officials of the Malda district administration have reminded the Archeological Survey of India about the latter’s responsibility to preserve the historical sites of the district and take steps to maintain basic amenities in these locations properly within a month.

Sources said that an inspection by district magistrate Nitin Singhania on April 12in famed historical sites such as Gour and Adina, which are maintained by the ASI, revealed the gaps in basic facilities there. The inspection team led by the DM also found that the facilities set up by the state government were defunct and there were encroachments on these sites.

“We were dismayed to see encroachments at Adina and some other historical tourist spots. The light-and-sound system introduced in Gour and Adina by the state tourism department is not functional. Even the drinking water facility and the lavatories are in a poor state,” said Singhania.

He said tourism had always been a priority for chief minister Mamata Banerjee and that during administrative meetings she specifically instructed officials to promote Malda’s historical sites.

“It is unfortunate that the ASI is not delivering on its responsibilities. That is why we called their representatives and made it clear that they should get these issues resolved within one month. We will again check whether necessary steps have been taken in these locations,” the Malda DM added.

Contacted for a reaction, Rohit Kumar, an ASI official posted in Malda, said: “We will bring these issues to the notice of our authorities concerned. Suitable measures would be taken in due course.”