ADAMGARH HILLS

HIA REPORT
2021-22

PREPARED BY
TEAM HOSHANGABAD
INTRODUCTION PAGE 02

INTRODUCTION TO HIA
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This article aims to explore the role of heritage impact assessment (HIA) as a tool to
safeguard world heritage sites from the adverse impacts of proposed projects as well as to
recommend effective mitigation measures to create the balance between preservation and
development. These mitigations will help the decision makers to take the right decision
concerning the potential development.
The methodology adopts a qualitative approach which is based on semi-structured
interviews with site managers of two world heritage sites: historic areas of Istanbul in
Turkey and the Giza pyramids in Egypt. Other interviews were conducted with some
archaeologists and some governmental bodies in both countries to evaluate the level of
awareness of HIA and assess the current and potential threats resulting from development
proposals. Consequently, the article applies the HIA methodology to evaluate the potential
impacts of proposed projects in both heritage sites.
HIA can be an effective solution in order to eliminate the contradictions between the
stakeholders investing in world heritage sites. The findings revealed that both world heritage
sites are threatened by infrastructure and development projects. There is a lack of
professionals who are able to conduct HIA methodology, thus Turkey and Egypt depend
mainly on foreign experts to conduct it.

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company's activities throughout the preceding year. Annual reports are intended

to give shareholders and other interested people information about the

company's activities and financial performance. They may be considered as grey

literature. Most jurisdictions require companies to prepare and disclose annual

reports, and many require the annual report to be filed at the company's registry.

Companies listed on a stock exchange are also required to report at more

frequent intervals.
 INTRODUCTION
Name- Adamgarh hills
Geographical coordinates- 22°43" N, 77°43" E
Date of notification : September 21, 1963
Name of the organization- Government of India

Monument's history and description

Location- situated 2 km south of Hoshangabad town, near the Narmada river.
Adamgarh rock shelters were discovered by Manoranjan Ghosh in 1922 CE,
further research was carried out by D.H. Gordon and other archaeologists.
There are around 18 rock shelters belonging to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic
periods; 11 shelters have visible paintings, others have faded with time, and
some due to vandalism by tourists. The shelters contain mostly miniature
paintings.
It is one of the ancient places under the control of the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI).

History of the Monument:

This site is known for painted rock shelters with a cultural deposit of Palaeolithic,
the Mesolithic, early historical and medieval periods.
Only a few paintings belong to the Mesolithic phase while the rest are of
chalcolithic, early historical and mediaval periods.
The rock paintings of Adamgarh were first noticed in 1922 CE and Stone Age
artefacts were discovered from here in 1935 CE.
Following the discoveries of Lower Palaeolithic as well as Mesolithic implements
on the hill the site was taken up for excavation in 1961CE with a view to
investigate the Palaeolithic and Microlithic potential of the site and to trace
evidence for dating the rock paintings.

Physical characteristics:
The sand stone rock raised in south-east to north-west alignment with slope
towards south, consists mainly of 12 shelters possessing prehistoric paintings.
Most of the rock stands in such a pattern that its outer edge forms 60 degree
space between the edge and floor wherein, in the walls and ceilings, paintings
are displayed.

Materials:
The rock shelters scattered over a deserted sandstone cliff within a four-square-
kilometer area.
Elements:
Depiction of human figures in rock paintings is quite common in various postures —
dancing, running, hunting, playing games, wars, and quarreling made in deep red,
green, white, and yellow colors.
The material and ecological changes are also reflected in the rock paintings.
Animals are frequently depicted either alone or in large and small groups and shown
in various poses; the domesticated animals include zebu cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep,
pig, and dog, whereas the wild species painted are Varanus griseus, Hystrix cristata,
Equus sp., Cervus duvauçeli, Cervus unicolor, Axis axis and Lupus nigricollis.

Evolution:
The implements found there of Lower Palaeolithic period are made on quartzite
and fine-grained sandstone that are locally available in the Vindhyan rocks on
the hill or as river pebbles.
Most of the tools are on flakes obtained from rock blocks or pebbles and
consist of handaxes, cleavers, choppers, scrapers, points and flakes, discoids
and cores.
The Mesolithic (Microlithic) industries are made on siliceous minerals like chert,
chalcedony, jasper, agate, etc.
The artefact assemblage comprises borers, awls, scrapers, burins, The animal
bones found associated with the Mesolithic cultures include domesticated
animals and wild animals, almost in equal proportions.
Some fragments of human bones have been found in the Mesolithic level but
the Palaeolithic deposit has not yielded any animal or human bones. The C-14
date of shells associated with the earlier microliths is 7450 ± 130 BP and that
of the uncharred bones from the upper level is 2845 ± 105 BP 23
Contour Plan of the Ancient Site and Adamgarh Rock Shelters,
Analysis of surveyed data:
5.1.1 Prohibited Area and Regulated Area details:
Total Protected Area of the monuments is 249650.57 Sqm.
Total Prohibited Area of the monuments is 332246.9 Sqm.
Total Regulated Area of the monuments is 531433.185 Sqm.

5.1.2 Description of built up area

Most of the area around the site in Prohibited and Regulated Area
is open and used as cultivable land except few temporary
structures towards north in Prohibited Area and habitation
towards the west side within Regulated Area.
Few houses are also constructed in the south side and a part of
boundary wall of Sarvait Sisters Society at south-east side comes
in the Regulated Area.

5.1.3 Description of green/open spaces

In the Protected Area, the monument is in the form of rock
shelters and they are located at the bottom and top of the hill of
which south-west side is sloppy whereas north-east side possesses
sufficient land covered with trees and other wild vegetation.
This side of the hill has separated by a deep ditch.
Outside the Protected Area there is no building or habitation upto
the limit of Prohibited area all around except few temporary
structures towards north.
However, habitation is towards the west side within Regulated
area
Few houses are also constructed in the south side and a boundary
wall of Sarvait Sisters Society at east-south side of which part
comes in the Regulated Area. Rest of the land in the Regulated
area are cultivable and open.
5.1.4 Areas covered under circulation- roads, footpaths etc.
RCC road of Hoshangabad- Itarsi runs along the north- east
of the monument between the Protected and Prohibited Area.
Approximately 1.6 hectare area is covered under the BT road
in north and north-east direction.

5.1.5 Heights of buildings (Zone wise)

Prohibited Area:It doesn't have any construction except little
kutcha construction on the north side.
Regulated area:A few residences are found in West, North
West direction of Regulated boundary. Here the height of
residences varies from Ground, Ground+1, Ground+2, to
Ground+3. In North, East and South directions there are a few
huts whose height is not more than 3.5 m

5.1.6 State protected monuments and listed Heritage Buildings

by local Authorities, if available, within the
Prohibited/Regulated Area:
There is no state protected monument or any other protected
monument present in the Prohibited and Regulated Areas of
the monument.

5.1.7 Public amenities:

Pathways, temporary halting shed, water facility, signages,
seating arrangement and cultural notice board are available
at the site.

5.1.8 Access to monument:

The site is located on the left side of Itarsi – Hoshangabad
road. It can be accessible from Itarsi as well as from
Hoshangabad through a well metalled road and within the
site pathways are provided to the shelters wherever
required.

5.1.9 Infrastructure services (water supply, storm water

drainage, sewage, solid waste management, parking etc.):
Only water supply is available in the site.

5.1.10 Proposed zoning of the area as per guidelines of the

Local Bodies: The existing guidelines of zoning of this area are
as per Madhya Pradesh Bhumi Vikas Adhiniyam -2012.
Current Status:
The rock shelters extended in 19.70 acres of land are well
protected from all around by fencing. Its lower slope towards
north-east side is exclusively covered with trees and other
wild shrubs. From the main entrance to rock shelters, they are
connected by pathway provided by the AST for the ease of the
visitors. This site is fused with landscape setting with natural
environment. It is a site where even prehistoric artefact can
be seen on the surface. The site is in good state of
preservation.

Annual footfalls and occasional gathering numbers:

About 500 Domestic and Foreign visitors come to the site
annually.

ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUE

OF THE MONUMENT

Architectural, historical and archaeological value:

The rock shelters are known for the prehistoric paintings
and antiquities recovered from the excavation.
Since these are natural rocks without adding any
architectural skill within it except paintings on its walls
and ceilings.
The paintings are found from Palaeolithic period right
through to historical period and stone age artefacts and
implements of lower Palaeolithic and Mesolithic period
were found from here.

Sensitivity of the monument (eg developmental pressure,

urbanization, population pressure, etc.):
It is the only patch with natural environment on an isolated
hill top amidst the Hoshangabad city that is fast growing as
an urban area.
Therefore, there is the pressure of the construction of
houses in the surrounding area of the site. Since the road
that passes near the site (on the eastern side) connects
Hoshangabad city with Itarsi, there is the pressure of new
construction in the form of residences.
At present the surrounding area is open and used for
agricultural purpose.
Archaeological heritage remains other than protected
monument:
No archaeological heritage remains are present in the vicinity
of the monument.

Cultural landscapes:
There is no cultural landscape associated with the monument
in the present day.

Significant natural landscapes that form part of cultural

landscape and also help in protecting monuments from
environmental pollution:
The monument exists on a raised hillock and surrounded by
the trees with wild herbs and shrubs all around except some
portion at the south-west. Besides, the site is protected on
north-west by a natural ditch. Since it is quite away from the
Hoshangabad city hence it is less prone to vehicular
pollution.

Usage of open space and constructions:

There is no building or habitation upto the limit of Prohibited
Area except few temporary structures towards north.
However, habitation is towards the west side within the
Regulated Area.
Few houses are also constructed in the south direction and a
boundary wall of Sarvait Sisters Society in the south-east
direction of which part comes in the Regulated Area.
Remaining area in the Regulated Area is open as agricultural
land.

Traditional, historical and cultural activities:

No traditional, historical or cultural activity is followed in
the present day.

Skyline as visible from the monument and from Regulated

Areas:
The hillock is clearly visible from the Prohibited and
Regulated limit and even far beyond to that,but the shelters
as covered by the trees and other vegetation is not visible.
The top of the shelters can be seen in the southern direction.

Traditional Architecture:
There are no examples of traditional architecture existing in
the surrounding of the monument.
Building related parameters:
(a) Height of the construction on the site (including rooftop
structures like mumty, parapet, etc):The height of all buildings in
the Regulated Area of the monument will be restricted to 12 mtr.

(b) Floor area:FAR will be as per local building bye-laws.

(c) Usage:-As per local building bye-laws with no change in land-

use.

(d) Façade design:- The façade design should match the

monument.
French doors and large glass façades along the front street or
along staircase shafts will not be permitted.

(e) Roof design:-

,Only flat roof design in the area is to be followed
Structures, even using temporary materials such as aluminum,
fibre glass, polycarbonate or similar materials will not be
permitted on the roof of the building.
All services such as large air conditioning units, water tanks or
large generator sets placed on the roof to be screened off
using screen walls (brick/cements sheets etc).
All of these services must be included in the maximum
permissible height.
,
(f) Building material:-
Consistency in materials and color along all street facades of
the monument.
Modern materials such as aluminum cladding, glass bricks, and
any other synthetic tiles or materials will not be permitted for
exterior finishes.
Traditional materials such as brick and stone should be used.

(g) Colour :-
The exterior color must be of a neutral tone in harmony with the
monuments.

Visitor facilities and amenities:

Visitor facilities and amenities such as toilets, drinking water,
ramp and braille should be available at site.
Impact on built heritage

wrt development of new colony within then regulated area of

heritage monument.

increase in footfall around the heritage mass.

increase in need of maintenance
decrease in illegal activities
employment generation opportunity maintenance staff,
guides, security, etc

increase in water level during rains

increase in pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, water
pollution,

visual impact

Visibility from the Protected Monument or Area and visibility from

Regulated Area:
The site is clearly visible from all sides from a distance as it is located on
the hill top.
Interestingly, since there is no construction activity between the site and
the railway track on the western side, the site is also visible from the
train.
Besides, from all other sides at least from a distance of about 500 meters
the site is visible