Lok Sabha Question No. 4984 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Protection of Archaeological Heritage in Khajuraho
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.4984

ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

## PROTECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN KHAJURAHO

## 4984 SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  undertaking  nationwide  measures  for  protection,  conservation, scientific  documentation  and  encroachment-free  management  of  protected  monuments  and archaeological sites through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI);
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  instances  of  encroachment,  deterioration  or  lack  of systematic surveying around protected or unprotected archaeological sites in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency including Khajuraho and surrounding heritage areas;
- (c) whether any survey, conservation assessment or heritage audit has been conducted in the said areas during the last five years and the current year;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor and whether a comprehensive survey and removal of encroachments is proposed by the Government; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  steps  proposed  for  scientific  conservation  and  long-term  protection  of archaeological heritage in the said region

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  looks  after  3686  protected  monuments  and  protected areas (Archaeological sites) across 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.  To  secure  protected  monuments  and  sites  free  from encroachment, boundary walls, fencing, etc. are provided as per need. The Multi Tasking Staff and regular watch and ward staff, have been deployed for the safety and security of protected monuments and sites across the country. In addition to that private security and CISF personnel are deployed at selected monuments and sites for security purpose.
- (b) There  are  36  monuments  and  archaeological  sites  and  remains  declared  as  of  national importance in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency. The ASI has taken continuous steps for the conservation, and promotion of the protected  monuments  and  areas . ASI  ensures conservation through special repair works, annual maintenance and upkeep based on requirement.
- (c) Inspection of monuments  and  sites is taken up by Archaeological Survey of India's officials/officers  from  time  to  time  to  assess  their  condition  accordingly  annual  works programme is drawn for conservation and maintenance, which is a continuous process.
- (d) There  is  no  case  of  encroachment  reported  in  the  protected  monuments  and  protected  areas (sites) falling under the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency.
- (e) Their  scientific  and  conservation  is  carried  out  by  ASI  as  per  requirement,  priority  and availability of resources, which is a regular phenomenon, following the National Conservation Policy, 2014.

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