(a) the reason for demolition of Hindu Temples in Odisha, when Indonesia, a Muslim country can protect the temples, which are symbols of the Indian culture;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any measures have been taken to protect the heritage of the country or any steps have been taken for conducting heritage survey; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a)& (b) There are 80 Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites in the State of Odisha. There is no instance of demolition of any Centrally Protected Monument.
(c)& (d) All Centrally Protected Monuments/ Site are governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) and Rules 1959 made there under. Regular watch and ward staff is deployed at monuments as well as private security guards at selected monuments. Field offices of Archaeological Survey of India conducts regular survey/explorations to identify and discover the historical places, monuments/sites, etc. which is a regular phenomenon.
Declaring of monuments as Monuments of National importance is a continuous process and is done under the provisions of AMASR Act.
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