(a) whether encroachment and vandalism of different categories of monuments continues
unabated in the country;
(b) If so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to take more concrete steps to stop vandalism and
encroachment of the said monuments to protect them;
(d) if so, the details threof; and
(e) If not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND MINISTER OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a)&(b) No, Sir. No such instances have been reported in recent past. However, in the past
encroachments at centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites and remains have
occurred due to several factors such as rapid urbanization, increasing pressures on land,
commercialization, etc. A State-wise list of monuments, archaeological sites and remains
under encroachment is at Annexure.
(c)&(d) As and when an encroachment is noticed by the field office of Archaeological Survey
of India, FIR is lodged with the local police followed by Show Cause Notice by the
Archaeological Survey of India to the offender. As all the Superintending Archaeologist
of the Circles are also vested with the powers of Estate Officer, action is also initiated
under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised occupants) Act, 1971, wherever applicable.
Non compliance of the Show Cause Notice is followed by demolition order to the offender as
well as the District Collector/Magistrate to cause removal of such encroachment within a
specified period. In certain specific cases, ASI also avails of the last option to file
litigation against the encroachers before the appropriate Court of Law.
(e) Does not arise.