Question : Restoration of Historical Monuments

(a)
the detailed data on the number of projects undertaken for the restoration of monuments during the last ten years;

(b) whether the Government has set up any monitoring body to actively assess the condition of historic monuments/all over the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any plans of setting up a public portal wherein complaints can be lodged to look into the dilapidating monuments/all over the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the heritage sites in the country are being entrusted to the private sector for their restoration and maintenance, and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government for restoration and maintenance of heritage and historical places of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)


(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. *195 FOR 01.01.2018

(a) There are 3686 protected monuments of national importance under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation work of these monuments is a continuous process .Every year conservation programme is drawn for maintenance and repair work to the monuments as per the budgetary allocations. The works are taken up in two categories, annual maintenance which is performed on all protected monuments and special repair works, carried out at identified monuments depending upon the urgency of different sites. Accordingly, the inspection reports, recording, preparation of detailed estimates etc. is taken up, leading to the finalization of the proposal and execution of the work at the site. Such cycle is repeated every year around the beginning of the financial year.

(b) Yes Madam. The condition of protected monuments is regularly monitored by inspection of sites from Headquarter office, Regional offices and Circle offices including conducting necessary studies and investigations with the help of leading institutions of the country like Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), IITs, NITs, Survey of India etc. Conservation Division of ASI keeps regular watch on the condition of the protected historic monuments.

(c) ASI already has a website, www.asi.nic.in which can be accessed for any feedback/comments by the public.

(d) The maintenance and conservation work of the protected monuments is carried out by the ASI. However, some contributions for conservation of monuments are received under National Culture Fund (NCF).

(e) The conservation work of the nationally protected monuments is attended regularly by the ASI. The steps taken includes conservation, routine maintenance, special repairs to distressed areas, restoration, chemical preservation, environmental development public amenities, signage, security arrangements etc.