Lok Sabha Question No. 142 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Protection and Conservation of Archaeological Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Nalin Soren, Dr. Rajesh Mishra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION  NO. †*142.

ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

## †*142. SHRI NALIN SOREN:

## DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  specific  measures  taken  currently  for  protection  and  conservation  of  the archaeological sites of historical importance;
- (b) whether any new policies or laws are being proposed by the Government to strengthen the protection of various archaeological sites;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the various funding and resources available for researchers and archaeologists working on conservation of projects being run by the Government;
- (e) whether the Government is contemplating formulation of any scheme for the protection and conservation of the 1800 years old Nandasa Yupa pillar located in Bhilwara, Rajasthan; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to (f) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PART  (a)  TO  (f)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 142* FOR 10.03.2025.RAISED BY SHRI NALIN SOREN: DR.  RAJESH  MISHRA:  HON'BLE  MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT  REGARDING PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES.

- (a) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) looks after 3698 protected monuments and protected site in the country. Their Conservation, preservation and maintenance is carried out by ASI as per requirement, priority and availability of resources, which is a regular phenomenon. Inspection of monuments and sites is taken up by ASI's officials/officers from time to time to  assess  their  condition  and  annual  works  programme  is  drawn  for  conservation  and maintenance  accordingly.  To  secure  protected  monuments  and  sites  boundary  walls, fencing  etc.  are  provided  as  per  need.  In  addition  to  the  regular  watch  and  ward  staff, private security personnel and CISF have also been deployed for the safety and security of selected protected monuments and protected areas across the country.
- (b) Mechanism  for  protection  of  monuments  and  archaeological  sites  is  already  in  place.
- & Section  4  of  the  Ancient  Monuments  and  Archaeological  Sites  and  Remains  Act,  1958
- (c) provides,  for  declaring  any  ancient  monument  or  archaeological  site  and  remains  as  of national  importance.  Further,  the  conservation  and  preservation  of  protected  monuments and protected areas are taken up following National Conservation Policy, 2014.
- (d) ASI does not maintain any separate budget head for researches in the field of conservation. Conservation and maintenance of monuments under the jurisdiction of ASI is carried out by the budget allocated by the Government. However, ASI seeks special assistance from the specialized agencies like CBRI, IIT etc. as and when required for any conservation related challenges.
- (e) No proposal is under consideration with ASI at present for the protection of Nandasa Yupa
- & pillar located in Bhilwara, Rajasthan.
- (f)

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