Question : PROVISIONS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT- 2010

(a) whether the Government has declared any protected areas in the State of Tamil Nadu under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeo- logical Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether several buildings around protected areas in Hampi, Mahabalipuram and Thanjavur have been constructed / repaired / renovated without permission of the National Monuments Authority; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the number of complaints / FIRs registered under the said Act during the last three years?

MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a)&(b) There is no provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 to declare any area as protected area. However, under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in the State of Tamil Nadu, 413 monuments/ancient sites have been declared as monument of national importance. The area of monument or site as the case may be would be ‘protected area’ under the meaning of the Act.

(c)&(d) Such cases have been reported. The details are at Annexure.