States with Encroached Centrally Protected Monuments

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of centrally protected monuments that have been illegally encroached.

Which states have the highest number of centrally protected monuments that have been encroached on?

• According to the Central Government, a total of 356 centrally protected monuments have been illegally encroached into across India. This is an increase from the 2019 figure of 321 protected monuments that have been infringed.
• Uttar Pradesh, at 743, has the largest number of centrally protected monuments that have been illegally encroached.
• Tamil Nadu has the second-highest number of illegally encroached centrally protected monuments at 412.
• It is followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra with 48 and 46 such monuments respectively.
• Gujarat has the fifth highest number of illegally encroached centrally protected monuments.

What are centrally protected monuments?

• Centrally Protected Monuments are those that are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Under this Act, construction activities are prohibited within 100 meters of a centrally protected monument and construction within 100 to 200 meters of these structures is strictly regulated.
• The regulations under this Act are implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

How are the centrally protected monuments protected?

• The officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regularly inspect the monuments to assess their present conditions.
• Besides conducting various conservation and preservation works based on the requirement, the ASI officials also file police complaints, issue show cause notices to defaulters for the removal of the illegal encroachments, and also issue orders to the Collector requesting for the demolition or removal of these encroachments.

About Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) regulates the preservation of ancient and historical monuments as well as archaeological sites and remains of national importance. The ASI, which comes under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under the provisions of this Act.

This Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old. An area within 100 meters of the monuments that are protected under this Act is considered a “prohibited area”. Here, all construction activities are banned. The area within 200 meters of the monument is a regulated area. Any repair or modifications of structures within this area can be done only with prior permission from the ASI.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2022

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs • India Nation & States Current Affairs