Preserving Monuments of India

Preserving Monuments of India

News: Recently, a Parliamentary panel observed that the requirement of a 100-meter prohibited and a 300-meter regulated zone around Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments of India has created conflicts between local communities and the heritage sites.

Key Suggestions:
• The parliamentary panel has asked government to revise the rules to make them realistic.
• It has also recommended rationalizing the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments of India.

Which law protects the monuments of India?
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958
• The AMASR Act was passed by the Parliament in 1958 for the purpose of protection and preservation of archaeological and historical sites and monuments of India. It also provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other such objects.
• Under the provisions of the said act, 100 meters area from the protected limit of centrally protected monuments of India/site has been declared as prohibited area for new constructions.
• Beyond this, the 200 meters area has been declared as a Regulated Area.
• Repair/renovation of the existing structures in prohibited areas and new constructions in regulated areas are permissible on obtaining permission from National Monument Authority/Competent Authority meant for such purpose.

Who safeguards monuments in India?
• The Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Maintenance of ancient monuments of India and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
• Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Who is known as the Guardian of monuments?
• National Monuments Authority
• NMA under the Ministry of Culture has been set up as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which was enacted in March, 2010.
• No construction work or related activity is generally permitted in these prohibited and regulated areas unless a specific approval is taken from the National Monuments Authority (NMA).