Question : ASSESSMENT OF UNPROTECTED MONUMENTS

(a) whether the Government has made an assessment of the number of unprotected national monuments in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the details of unprotected monuments which are reported to be vandalised and defaced in the country including West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, State-wise;

(d) whether any unprotected monument in the country including West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh has been identified by the Government / Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for protection and conservation;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the action proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to restore and maintain the said unprotected monuments in the country?

MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND MINISTER OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)

(a) & (b) National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) was launched with the objective to prepare a National database on built heritage and sites from secondary sources. The Mission was approved for the period 2007 – 2012. The details of the unprotected monuments and sites compiled by NMMA so far, State-wise is at Annexure I.

(c) There is no database on unprotected monuments reported to be vandalised and defaced in the country.

(d) & (e) The unprotected monuments identified by ASI for protection in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are at Annexure II.

(f) The Government proposes to enact a new legislation to establish a National Commission on Heritage sites, which Commission shall, inter – alia, recommend to the Central government and State Governments on short and long term policies in respect of conservation, protection and management of heritage sites.