(a) whether the Government is taking special measures for protecting statues in the historical sites and temples in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to use technical support and form a Special Tourist Spots Security Team for the security of these sites; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (d): Protection and maintenance of monuments and sites, including temples, declared as monument of national importance under the provision of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, is the responsibility of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
There are 3686 monuments/sites under the protection and care of ASI. Protection, safety and security of the statues and sculptures in ASI monuments and historical sites is an ongoing process for which monument attendants, private security guards, arm guards and CISF have been deployed.
For monuments, other than ASI monuments and sites, it is the responsibility of the State Governments to provide protection.
Ministry of Tourism has no proposal to use technical support and form a Special Tourist Spots Security Team for the security of these sites.
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