(a) whether the Government proposes to popularise several lesser known ancient temples
in the country including in Tamil Nadu;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to develop infrastructure around
these temples to facilitate the visit of more devotees?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to (c) The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) is in charge of protection and maintenance
of the centrally protected monuments/sites including temples which have been declared so under
the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in the country.
In the State of Tamil Nadu, 413 monuments/sites are declared as of monument of national importance.
The conservation, preservation and environmental development of the protected monuments is an ongoing
process which is undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India as per archaeological norms. ASI is
also providing tourist related amenities (e.g. drinking water, toilet blocks, facilities for physically
challenged, pathways, cultural notice boards/signage, vehicle parking, etc.) at the centrally protected
monuments/sites as per the needs and availability of resources.