(a) whether the maintenance and protection of Ashoka Hotel, Vigyan Bhawan and other buildings by Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) has come into limelight;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Chairman of Delhi Chapter of INTACH stated that artistic architecture is being ignored in the race for development;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(e) the plan of the Government for INTACH regarding maintenance?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b) The Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH), Delhi Chapter, has prepared a list of modern architectural heritage buildings in Delhi, which includes Ashoka Hotel, Vigyan Bhawan and other buildings and same has been submitted to Heritage Conservation Committee, Delhi for notification and protection, thus bringing into the notice of the Committee and others.
(c) & (d) INTACH has denied such a statement. INTACH’s view is that protection and development of architectural heritage should go together.
(e) The maintenance and development work of these buildings is attended by the Government Departments and at present there is no plan for INTACH regarding maintenance.