Lok Sabha Question No. 191 (STARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION  NO. *191

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES

## *191. KM. SUDHA R:

- Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the details of the measures taken by the Government to preserve and promote  the rich historical and  cultural heritage sites such  as Poompuhar and Thiruvidaimarudur; (b) the details of funds allocated and utilised so far for the purpose; and the details of any specific plans for the restoration and conservation of  ancient  temples  and  monuments  in  these  areas  and  if  so,  the

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

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

to

(c)

- (c) details thereof?

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  THE  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *191 FOR 05.08.2024.

- (a) Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  takes  up  conservation  and  preservation work  of  3697  centrally  protected  monuments  and  sites  across  the  country including excavated remains of Buddhist Vihara and temple at Pallavareswaram, Melaiyur, (Kaveripattinam) Dist., Mayiladuthurai also known as Poompuhar. The protected monuments and sites are regularly inspected by officials of ASI and measures for conservation and preservation of monuments are taken up as per the  need,  priority  and  availability  of  resources.  Further,  ASI  organises  many cultural  awareness  programmes  for  promotion  of  culture  on  the  occasion  of World  Heritage  Day,  World  Heritage  week,  International  Yoga  Day  etc.  The Thiruvidaimarudur, Dist., Thanjavur is not under the protection of ASI.
- (b) The  details  of  expenditure  incurred  on  conservation  and  preservation  work  in Poompuhar,  Mayiladuthurai  district  of  Tamil  Nadu  State  during  the  last  three years is given below:                         (Amount Rs. in Lakhs)
- (c) Conservation  and  development  works  have  been  taken  up  at  the  Excavated remains of Buddhist Vihara and temple at Pallavareswaram, Melaiyur, (Kaveripattinam) Dist., Mayiladuthurai such as providing revetment wall to the excavated  remains  and  also  provided  public  amenities  such  as  signage's, benches and solar lights.

|   S. No. | Year    | Expenditure   |
|----------|---------|---------------|
|        1 | 2021-22 | Nil           |
|        2 | 2022-23 | 9.07          |
|        3 | 2023-24 | 3.92          |

There  are  four  centrally  protected  monuments  falling  in  Thanjavur  district including World Heritage Site at Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur and three in Mayiladuthurai district.

The  expenditure  incurred  on  these  monuments  in  Thanjavur  district  and Mayiladuthurai district during last three years is given under:

## (Amount Rs. in Lakhs)

| S. No.   | Year    | Expenditure        | Expenditure             |
|----------|---------|--------------------|-------------------------|
|          |         | Thanjavur district | Mayiladuthurai district |
| 1.       | 2021-22 | 33.00              | 1.65                    |
| 2.       | 2022-23 | 157.00             | 17.00                   |
| 3.       | 2023-24 | 173.36             | 10.20                   |

Conservation and preservation of monuments/sites is a continuous process and is  taken  up  as  per  the  need  of  monuments/site  and  availability  of  resources while following the National Conservation Policy 2014

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