(a) the total number of Hindu temples registered in the south India;
(b) the number of temples which are being managed by the Government and private parties separately;
(c) the number of temples in south India facing illegal encroachment;
(d) the details of instructions given by the Government to the State Governments for removing any such illegal encroachments from these temples;
(e) whether the said instructions have been complied with; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b) There are 1097 ancient monuments and sites which have been declared as Centrally Protected in the States/UT of Andhra Pradesh (135), Karnataka (506), Kerala (29), Pudduchery (07), Tamil Nadu (412) and Telangana (08). Out of these 448 are Temples.
(c) The details of temples which are Centrally Protected Monuments where encroachments are reported, are at Annexure.
(d) to (f) Wherever encroachment is reported, notice is given to the defaulter to remove the same; failing which, Demolition Order is issued as per provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 with request to Commissioner or Collector to cause demolition of the encroachment.
Annexure
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2898 FOR 21.03.2022
Sl. No. Name of Monument (Temple) Locality District State
1 Gowrishwara Temple Yelandur Camarajanagar Karnataka
2 Virupaksha Temple Hampi Bellary Karnataka
3 Dhenuipuriswara Temple Madambakkam Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu
4 Siva (Erumbeswaraswami) Temple Tiruverumbur Tiruchirapally Tamil Nadu
5 Large Siva Temple (Apathsahayeswara Temple) Thenneri Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu
6 Airavateswara Temple Chattram-Darasuram Thanjavur Tamil Nadu