ASI to Delist 18 Monuments

• 26 Mar 2024

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 monuments, sparking debate over heritage preservation and the impact on urban development.

Key Points

• Loss of Conservation: Delisting means these monuments will no longer receive protection and maintenance from the ASI.
• Urban Development Impact: Construction activities can now proceed around these delisted sites, altering their surroundings.

• Legal Framework: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act governs the protection and delisting process.
• Public Input: A two-month window allows the public to voice objections or suggestions regarding the delisting decision.

• Untraceable Monuments: Some monuments, like the medieval highway milestone and Buddhist ruins, face delisting due to unknown locations or poor physical condition.
• ASI's Role: The ASI is tasked with conserving monuments over 100 years old, but challenges such as urbanization and neglect hinder preservation efforts.

• Missing Monuments: A lack of comprehensive surveys has led to the disappearance of several protected monuments, with some lost to urbanization and reservoirs.
• Government Response: Efforts to protect monuments have been hindered by budget constraints and insufficient security personnel.

• Past Oversight: Prioritization of new discoveries over conservation in post-Independence decades led to neglect of existing monuments.
• Ongoing Challenges: Despite recent efforts to address missing monuments, challenges remain in identifying and preserving historical sites nationwide.