(a) whether a number of monuments of historical importance are being damaged due to illegal
encroachment;
(b) if so, the details of such monuments;
(c) whether the Government is aware that a number of monuments under the Archaeological
Survey of India have been struck out as being irreparable;
(d) if so, the details of such monuments; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to remove encroachment in and around of monuments of
historical importance?
MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE(SHRIMATI AMBIKA SONI)
(a)&(b) The Archaeological Survey of India undertakes conservation of centrally protected
monuments including those under encroachment, to the extent possible, based on the need of
monuments and subject to availability of resources.
(c) The Archaeological Survey of India has not struck out any monument as irreparable.
(d) Question does not arise.
(e) The Superintending Archaeologists of the Circles have been delegated the powers of the
Central Government to issue ‘Show Cause Notice’ to encroacher for removal of encroachments under
the provisions of AM&ASR Act, 1958 and Rules 1959.
They are also vested with the powers of Estate Officer under the provisions of the Public
Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 to initiate immediate legal action
against the encroachers.They watch and inspect the centrally protected monuments/sites on a
regular basis.They also interact with the District authorities and the State Police from time to
time to thwart/remove encroachments. The ASI has deployed watch and ward staff in addition to
the deployment of private security guards, State Police and Home Guards, and CISF in selected
cases.
Wherever feasible and necessary,efforts have been made to provide fencing around centrally
protected monuments.