1100 ASI-protected monuments and heritage sites in South India; conservation funds and amenities
ASI protection, conservation spending, and visitor amenities for national-importance monuments in South India
GS1GS3GS4PIBGS1Culture and HeritageArchaeological Survey of India (ASI)National Conservation Policy, 2014
What happened
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains 1,100 monuments and heritage sites declared as of national importance in South India. The government also disclosed state-wise counts and a five-year record of conservation funding (allocation and expenditure) for ASI-protected monuments and sites located in southern states, along with a list of visitor amenities provided at selected high-footfall sites.
Background and earlier position
ASI’s statutory role involves protection and conservation of monuments and sites of national importance under its care and maintenance. Conservation decisions and works are expected to align with the National Conservation Policy, 2014, and implementation proceeds subject to available resources.
What changed now
The immediate “new” inputs in the Rajya Sabha reply are: state-wise counts of ASI-protected national-importance monuments and heritage sites across South India; a consolidated, year-wise view of conservation allocations and expenditures for the last five financial years; and an explicit statement that ASI carries out periodic inspections and that no protected monument or site is in a deteriorating condition.