Question : Protected Monuments in Assam

(a) the details of the number of Centrally Protected Monuments/sites within Assam;

(b) whether the Government has removed the cap on the number of visitors to its Monuments/sites and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has issued SOPs in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the cases of encroachment of these Monuments/sites have come to the knowledge of the Government; and

(e) the details of the safeguards provided to protect the monuments from encroachments?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

(PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) There are 55 numbers of centrally protected monuments/sites in Assam under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India.

(b) Yes, Sir. The cap on the number of visitors to the centrally protected monuments/sites is removed. However, the total number to be allowed per day may be decided by the concerned Superintending Archaeologist/SA(Incharge) with the concurrence of the respective District Magistrate, who is the chairman of the District Disaster Management Committee of the district.

(c) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued from time to time considering various protocol specified by Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Culture and State/District administration. The SOP covers issues like social distancing, use of face cover/mask, thermal scanning at entrance, hand hygiene, restriction/regulating movements at vulnerable points, designated entry-exist points, regulating visitors movement on pathways, regular cleaning and sanitization, etc.

(d) Yes, Sir.

(e) Pro-active steps are taken by Archaeological Survey of India under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules, 1959 to keep the protected monuments free from encroachments. Superintending Archaeologists are authorised to issue show cause notices under the provisions of the Act followed by a direction to the District Collector/Magistrate by Central Government to remove such encroachment. In order to contain the encroachments and removing them, the Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the Circles have been vested with the powers of Estate Officers under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Further, in addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel, State police guards and CISF have also been deployed for the safety and security of the monuments.



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