The Bombay High Court, in a bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne, has directed the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Museums to take immediate and comprehensive measures to protect and preserve prehistoric rock art sites—the petroglyphs and geoglyphs—located across Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, including near the Barsu–Solgaon area in Ratnagiri. These engravings, estimated to be at least 10,000 years old, were threatened by the proposed mega oil refinery project. The Court ordered that the ₹ 4.32 crore previously allocated for 17 sites must now be effectively utilized for conservation, management, and promotional activities. It also granted petitioners the liberty to suggest further sites needing protection and invite their assistance in preservation efforts .

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