In recent discussions, the issue surrounding the delisting of monuments in India has gained prominence. The Parliamentary Committee has urged the Union Culture Ministry to establish an independent panel. This panel would revisit the criteria for removing monuments from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) protected list. The ASI currently oversees 3,698 protected monuments, including forts, temples, and tombs, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
About Delisting of Monuments
Delisting refers to the process of removing a monument from the ASI’s protected list. This action releases the ASI from its conservation responsibilities. Consequently, it permits regular construction and urbanisation activities around the site. The ASI has recently delisted 18 monuments that could not be traced, including sites like Delhi’s Barakhamba Cemetery.
Current Controversies
The call for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad has sparked widespread protests in Maharashtra. Despite the protests, the tomb remains protected under ASI regulations. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has brought into light the importance of adhering to ASI’s guidelines regarding monument protection.
Recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee
The Parliamentary Committee has emphasised the need for reform in delisting protocols. They recommend forming an independent panel to ensure that delisting occurs only after thorough documentation and public consultation. The committee also advocates for a relic repatriation policy for artefacts that may be displaced during such processes.
Resource Allocation and Challenges
The committee has called for increased funding for the conservation and maintenance of protected sites, particularly World Heritage Sites. Despite a recent budget increase of 70% to ₹443.53 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, challenges such as encroachment and climate threats persist.
Technological Integration in Monument Management
To combat these challenges, the committee suggests a multi-pronged strategy. This includes creating a GIS-based digital inventory for real-time monitoring of monuments. Biennial audits are also recommended to enhance accountability and prevent the loss of heritage sites due to urbanisation.
Legal Framework Strengthening
The committee has proposed strengthening the legal frameworks surrounding heritage sites. This includes implementing stricter penalties under the AMASR Act and establishing fast-track courts to address heritage violations. Such measures aim to streamline enforcement against encroachments and protect cultural heritage.
Community Participation
Involving local communities in heritage conservation efforts is crucial. Community participation can lead to more effective management and protection of monuments. Engaging the public encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards cultural heritage.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in India’s cultural heritage management.
- Critically examine the impact of urbanisation on heritage sites in India and suggest measures to mitigate these effects.
- What are the challenges faced by the Archaeological Survey of India in conserving historical monuments? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Explain the role of technology in enhancing the management of protected heritage sites in India. How can it address current challenges?
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in India’s cultural heritage management.
- Establishes legal framework for the protection and conservation of historical monuments.
- Empowers the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to manage 3,698 protected sites, including forts, temples, and tombs.
- Promotes public awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage through regulated management.
- Facilitates documentation and research of archaeological sites, enhancing historical knowledge.
- Addresses illegal encroachments and ensures stringent penalties for violations to safeguard heritage.
2. Critically examine the impact of urbanisation on heritage sites in India and suggest measures to mitigate these effects.
- Urbanisation leads to encroachment, pollution, and neglect of heritage sites, risking their integrity.
- Increased construction activities can damage archaeological remains and disrupt historical contexts.
- Measures include implementing stricter zoning laws around heritage sites to limit urban encroachment.
- Creating awareness campaigns to educate the public about the value of preserving heritage can encourage community support.
- Developing GIS-based monitoring systems can help track changes and manage urban pressures effectively.
3. What are the challenges faced by the Archaeological Survey of India in conserving historical monuments? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Resource constraints, including insufficient funding for conservation and maintenance efforts.
- Increased urbanisation and encroachment threaten the physical integrity of sites, such as Aurangzeb’s tomb.
- Climate change poses risks, with extreme weather affecting structural stability, as seen in many ancient sites.
- Lack of public awareness and engagement can lead to neglect of monuments, resulting in deterioration.
- Legal challenges in enforcing heritage protection laws, leading to delays in addressing violations.
4. Explain the role of technology in enhancing the management of protected heritage sites in India. How can it address current challenges?
- GIS technology can create digital inventories for real-time monitoring of heritage sites, improving accountability.
- Utilizing drones for aerial surveys can help assess the condition of monuments and plan restoration efforts.
- Digital documentation of artifacts and sites can aid in research and public education about cultural heritage.
- Implementing mobile applications can facilitate community engagement and reporting of violations.
- Technology can streamline legal processes, enabling faster responses to encroachments and violations.
