Question : DISAPPEARANCE OF MONUMENTS

(a) the existing framework in place for protection and conservation of historical as well as modern architectures and sites of heritage value in the country;

(b) whether several historical monuments and sites in the country have disappeared due to hostile weather conditions and the pressure of urbanisation;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the steps being taken to revive the said monuments and sites including the funds earmarked and utilised during the last three years and the current year; and

(e) the action proposed to be taken/being taken against those found responsible for disappearance of the said structures?

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

(a)to(e) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.9 FOR 13.3.2012

As per the existing policy the monuments are declared protected under “The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 (24 of 1958)” as amended by “The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains(Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 (10 of 2010)”. The policy of Archaeological Survey of India is to protect and preserve monuments and sites declared as of national importance without compromising their authenticity and integrity. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains monuments and sites declared as of national importance on regular basis, depending upon their needs, within the available manpower and financial resources. The monuments, archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance in the country are in fairly good state of preservation.

However, due to certain factors such as pressure of urbanization, commercialization, development projects, changing climatic and geographical conditions, at least 35 monuments/sites in the country are reported to be untraceable. The list of such untraced monuments is at Annexure.

The Archaeological Survey of India through its field offices has made vigorous efforts to locate these untraced monuments/sites by conducting regular surveys/inspections as well as by interacting with various District authorities.

The expenditure incurred on conservation/preservation and environmental development of centrally protected monuments in the country during last three years and funds allocated during this year is as under:

Rupees in lakhs
2008-09	Rs.13498.60
2009-10	Rs.15300.43
2010-11	Rs.16152.69
2011-12	Rs.14137.00
(Allocation)