Question : UNPROTECTED MONUMENTS

(a) whether the Government/Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made an assessment of the number of unprotected National Monuments in the country including Uttarakhand and Maharashtra;

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

(c) the details of unprotected monuments which are reported to be vandalised and defaced in the country, including Uttarakhand and Maharashtra, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether any unprotected monuments in the country including Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have been identified by the Government/ASI for protection and conservation;

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

(f) the steps taken by the Government to restore and maintain the said unprotected so far in the country State/UT- wise?

MINISTER OF CULTURE SHRIMATI CHANDRESH KUMARI KATOCH

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam, National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) (2007-2012) was launched with the objective to prepare a National database on Built heritage and sites from secondary sources. The detail of unprotected monuments/sites including Uttarakhand and Maharashtra compiled by NMMA from secondary sources is at Annexure I.

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

(d) &(e) 25 proposals in the country including one from Uttarakhand have been identified for declaring as monuments of National Importance under Section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The details are at Annexure II

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