There are 3686 protected monuments and protected areas (sites) across the country, which are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

There are cases of encroachments and illegal constructions reported in and around some protected monuments and protected areas (sites). Such cases are addressed through enforcement of the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules, 1959 thereof.

National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in January,20l5 with the aim to preserve and revitalize soul of the heritage cities to reflect the city's unique character by encouraging aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative and secured environment. To undertake strategic and planned development of heritage cities aiming at improvement in overall quality of life with specific focus on sanitation, security, tourism, heritage revitalization and livelihoods retaining the city's cultural identity. It was implemented in 12 cities namely Ajmer (Rajasthan), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Amritsar (Punjab)" Badami (Karnataka), Dwarka (Gujarat), Gaya (Bihar), Kancheepuram and Velankanni (Tamil Nadu), Mathura and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Puri (Odisha), and Warangal (Telangana). The mission had ended on 31 March, 20l9.

With regard to conservation or restoration of the protected monuments and areas (sites) is concerned, such works are taken up by ASI as per the need and requirement considering availability of funds and resources, following the national conservation policy, which is a continuous process.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today

*******

M Annadurai

(Release ID: 2223734) Visitor Counter : 173