Lok Sabha Question No. 787 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Preservation of Cultural Sites Abroad
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-787

ANSWERED ON - 26/7/2024

PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL SITES ABROAD

787. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a)   whether   the   Government   has   made   any   efforts   to   preserve   or conserve cultural sites abroad, especially in the South East Asian region and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has faced any challenges or obstacles in implementing these cultural preservation projects abroad and if so, the details thereof and remedial action taken in this regard; and
- (c)   whether   there   are   any   long-term   maintenance   and   sustainability plans in place for the cultural sites that India has helped to preserve or conserve abroad, and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)   The   government   has   made   conscious   efforts   in   working   towards conservation of cultural sites abroad, especially in the South-East Asian region in recent times. In March 2020, a dedicated Division in MEA-- DPA IV --was established for undertaking such conservation projects. This Division implements such  projects through the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture.

Over the years, India has carried out about 60 completed projects in 21 countries. Details of  projects currently being undertaken are as per Annexure-1.

(b)  The government has not faced any challenges or obstacles in their implementation,   apart from issues like pandemic travel restrictions. These projects are undertaken as a part of our bilateral development cooperation activities. The projects are identified in consultation with the   host   country   and   an   inter-governmental   MoU   is   signed   for   the implementation of such projects.

(c)   Preservation   and   conservation   of   heritage   sites   and   antiquities require sustained conservation efforts over a long period of time. During the implementation of the project, it is ensured that the local monument authority works in close partnership with ASI experts in order to ensure that they have the necessary capacity for carrying out periodic routine maintenance   work.   The   conservation   project   includes   necessary

components for site improvement works and tourist amenities which ensure long-term sustainability of  the conservation work carried out. Apart   from   this,   MEA   through   ASI   periodically   deputes   experts   to respond to any conservation related issues. *****

## ANNEXURE-1

| Project                                               | Country   |
|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------|
| Vat Phou Shiva Temple                                 | Lao PDR   |
| Ta Prohm Temple                                       | Cambodia  |
| Preah Vihar                                           | Cambodia  |
| Bagan temple                                          | Myanmar   |
| Friday Mosque                                         | Maldives  |
| My Son group of temples                               | Vietnam   |
| Conservation of Ramayana Murals at Wat Raja Bo Pagoda | Cambodia  |

*****