Some of 3695 protected structures may lose monument tag

Some of 3695 protected structures may lose monument tag

Subject: Art and Culture

Context: With an aim to redefine monuments and rationalise the use of area around the protected monuments, the government is set to reintroduce the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment) Bill in the second half of the Budget session.

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• Currently, a monument has to be at least 100 years old. But sources say there is a view to change that benchmark and go back since India has a wealth of ancient monuments, while most ‘100-year-old monuments pertain to the time of the Britishers’. This is in line with the government wanting to shed ‘its colonial past’.
• There is also a likelihood of redefining ‘national importance’ as per the ethos of the country, since several centrally protected monuments were included on the list during the British regime, when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established.
• These two will pave the way for the denotification of many centrally protected monuments, which currently stand at 3,695.
• Similarly, no construction work or related activity is generally permitted in these prohibited and regulated areas in case of all 3,695 protected monuments across the country, unless a specific approval is taken from the National Monuments Authority (NMA).
• As this restricts a lot of areas, it is expected that the amendments will pertain to making some relaxation in these zones, specifically in case of smaller and less significant monuments such as statues, cemeteries and cannons, etc.
• However, in case of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (India has 40 of them, including Taj Mahal in Agra, Dholavira in Gujarat, Ramappa Temple in Telangana, and Red Fort and Qutub Minar complexes in Delhi), these restrictions may stay, since construction in regulated and prohibited zones may impact these heritage structures.

AMASR Act and ASI

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 Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of these monuments.
• 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.
• 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.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham– the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.