Question : CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF TEMPLES

(a) the details of temples conserved by the Government / Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the country including in the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan;

(b) the amount of funds allocated and spent for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, temple-wise;

(c) whether the Government has taken any step for the preservation and conservation of temples in Madhya Pradesh, particularly those built by Ahilyabai Holkar and those in Sagar region of the State; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND MINISTER OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)

(a) & (b) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conserves 3676 monuments in the country including 985 temples, having 80 temples in Madhya Pradesh and 40 temples in Rajasthan. The details of protected temples, State-wise, are at Annexure-I. The details of expenditure incurred for the conservation of monuments including temples during the last three years and allocation for the current year are at Annexure-II. The temple-wise details of expenditure in the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are at Annexure-III.

(c) & (d) The conservation work of the monuments is a continuous process. Every year conservation programme of the monuments, including temples in Madhya Pradesh renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar/located in the Sagar region, is reviewed wherein completed works are dropped and new works incorporated depending upon the availability of the resources and need of the repairs. The protected temples are in a good state of preservation.