There are 3688 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance in the country, out of which 414 monuments and sites have reported encroachments. The State-wise details are given at Annexure.

The Government has taken cognisance of the observations. Under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, (AMASR Act, 1958) protection of a monument does not mandatorily require acquisition or ownership of the land on which the monument is situated. The primary objective of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is to carry out conservation and maintenance of protected monuments in accordance with the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958 and the Rules, 1959 made thereunder. Wherever encroachments or unauthorised activities are noticed, appropriate action is taken under the relevant provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958, and the rules framed thereunder. Further, to fix the boundary of the monuments; joint survey is conducted in coordination with the local revenue officials for safeguarding the protected boundaries of monuments and sites.

The ASI has completed the survey, geo-referencing and digitisation of the boundaries of protected monuments and sites, and the same have been uploaded on the Bhuvan Portal. Integration of such data with State land records is undertaken, wherever required, in coordination with the respective State Governments and revenue authorities.

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

ANNEXURE

STATE-WISE DETAILS OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS AND AREAS (SITES) HAVING ENCROACHMENT

*****