Lok Sabha Question No. 195 (STARRED), answered on 2018-01-01
Subject: Restoration of Historical Monuments
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI, JYOTI DHURVE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *195 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.01.2018

## RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

## *195  SHRI  B. VINOD  KUMAR: SHRIMATI  JYOTI  DHURVE:

Will the Minister  of  CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the detailed data on the number of projects undertaken for the restoration of monuments during the last ten years;
- (b) whether the Government has set up any monitoring body to actively assess the condition of historic monuments/all over the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  of  setting  up  a  public  portal wherein complaints can be lodged to look into the dilapidating monuments/all over the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the heritage sites in the country are being entrusted to the private sector for their restoration and maintenance, and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  restoration  and  maintenance  of heritage and historical places of the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) to (e) A statement is laid on the table of the House

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *195 FOR 01.01.2018

- (a) There are 3686 protected monuments of national importance under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation work of these monuments is  a  continuous  process  .Every  year  conservation  programme  is  drawn  for maintenance  and  repair  work  to  the  monuments  as  per  the  budgetary allocations. The works are taken up in two categories, annual maintenance which  is  performed  on  all  protected  monuments  and  special  repair  works, carried out at identified monuments depending upon the urgency of different sites.  Accordingly,  the  inspection  reports,  recording,  preparation  of  detailed estimates  etc.  is  taken  up,  leading  to  the  finalization  of  the  proposal  and execution of the work at the site. Such cycle is repeated every year around the beginning of the financial year.
- (b) Yes Madam. The condition of protected monuments is regularly monitored by inspection  of  sites  from  Headquarter  office,  Regional  offices  and  Circle offices  including  conducting  necessary  studies  and  investigations  with  the help  of  leading  institutions  of  the  country  like  Central  Building  Research Institute (CBRI), IITs, NITs, Survey of India etc. Conservation Division of ASI keeps regular watch on the condition of the protected historic monuments.
- (c)  ASI  already  has  a  website,  www.asi.nic.in  which  can  be  accessed  for  any feedback/comments by the public.
- (d)   The  maintenance  and  conservation  work  of  the  protected  monuments  is carried  out  by  the  ASI.  However,  some  contributions  for  conservation  of monuments are received under National Culture Fund (NCF).
- (e)  The  conservation  work  of  the  nationally  protected  monuments  is  attended regularly by the ASI. The  steps taken includes conservation, routine maintenance,  special  repairs  to distressed areas, restoration,  chemical preservation, environmental development  public amenities, signage, security arrangements etc.