AMASR ACT

AMASR ACT

Subject:  National Legislations

Context: Days after the National Monument Authority (NMA) issued draft bylaws for Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, proposing a 100-m no construction zone around the shrine, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Sunday sought withdrawal of the proposed bylaws.

Concept:

• The NMA, under the Union Ministry of Culture, had released the draft bylaws under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act (AMASR), 2010, for the Jagannath Temple and its subsidiary shrines, defining various zones for their conservation and periphery development.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

• The AMASR Act provides for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• It provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
• The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the provisions of this act.
• The Act prohibits construction in ‘prohibited area’, an area of 100 meters around protected monument.
• It does not permit construction in such prohibited areas even if it is for public purposes, except under certain conditions.
• The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.
• The iconic monuments in India, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, The Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Sun Temple of Konark, among others are designated as “ancient monuments of national importance” and protected under the AMASR Act.
• The Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of these monuments.
• National Monument Authority will make a recommendation, for construction of public works to the central government, only if it is satisfied that there is no reasonable possibility of moving the construction outside the prohibited area.