Acting superintending archaeologist of Patna circle N.G. Nikose, who was also present at the meeting, assured all possible help to the department in developing the area around the tomb.

However, ASI officials made it clear that they would not allow any construction in the prohibited area of 100 metres around the tomb.

Last month, municipal authorities in Sasaram issued notices seeking explanations from all those who have constructed illegal structures in the vicinity of the tomb. The action followed orders of the district magistrate to free the tomb's premises of encroachment after the Patna High Court in November 2008 asked the ASI and the Rohtas district administration to take measures for its preservation.

Ruling on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Sasaram resident, who contended the state government was not taking adequate steps to preserve the tomb, the court had expressed unhappiness about the monument's condition due to years of neglect and exposure to pollution.

The ASI has long demanded removal of illegal constructions around the tomb and had also taken up the matter in the high court.

According to ASI guidelines, no construction can be allowed within a 100-metre radius of a historical monument as well as construction beyond a certain height within a radius of 200 metres. However, the rules have been violated time and again.

Also, the tank around the five-storey tomb, is filled with acidic industrial discharge.

Early this year, district authorities banned discharge of polluted water, immersion of idols and bathing in the tank. The ban was imposed early this year by the high court, after the ASI warned of the threats to the tomb as the tank's water had turned acidic, and the water level had gone down.