Aurangabad, Jun 1 (PTI) Some of the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra have replaced the old conventional lights with new cool lights to reduce the heat inside the world-famous caves for the comfort of visitors, an official said.

As many as 295 lamps will be replaced under the project, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official told PTI on Wednesday.

He said the Ajanta group of caves, located 100 kilometers from Aurangabad on the banks of the Wagur river, contained some cave paintings and others rock sculptures.

“The lights  were replaced earlier in 2002. The newly purchased lamps are cooler than the old ones and generate less heat. Hence, work has been done to replace the lamps in the caves with rock carvings,” he said.

He said 12-13 caves have been closed under this work. So far 135 lights have been replaced and another 160 will be replaced.

“We already have optical fiber lights in the caves containing the paintings, which do not generate heat inside the premises,” the official said.

Some other development work has also been completed in the cave complex.

The official said that shade stalls have been set up in the open area of the complex for the convenience of tourists coming to see the caves.

Two bio-toilets have also been installed in the campus for tourists, he said. PTI AW GK GK