12 protected monuments in J&K face encroachment

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, August 14: Twelve centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites in Jammu & Kashmir have reported encroachments, according to data placed by the Union Government before the Rajya Sabha.

The figures form part of a nationwide assessment showing that 414 of the 3,688 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared to be of national importance have reported encroachments.

Jammu & Kashmir accounts for 12 such monuments and sites, placing it among the Union Territories and States where encroachment has been reported on protected heritage properties.

The State-wise data show that Tamil Nadu has the highest number of protected monuments and sites with reported encroachments at 72, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 78, Karnataka with 60, Maharashtra with 49 and Rajasthan with 30.

Among other States and Union Territories, West Bengal has 15, Delhi 14, Odisha and Bihar 13 each, Assam and Chhattisgarh 12 each, Gujarat 11, Haryana 6, Himachal Pradesh 3 and Punjab 3.

ASI taking steps to safeguard monuments

The Government said protection of a monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) does not mandatorily require acquisition or ownership of the land on which the monument is situated.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of centrally protected monuments in accordance with the AMASR Act and the Rules, 1959.

Where encroachments or unauthorised activities are detected, the ASI takes appropriate action under the relevant provisions of the Act and Rules, the Government said.

It added that joint surveys are conducted with local revenue officials to fix and safeguard the boundaries of protected monuments and archaeological sites.

Boundaries geo-referenced and digitised

The ASI has completed the survey, geo-referencing and digitisation of the boundaries of protected monuments and sites, with the data uploaded on the Bhuvan Portal.

The Government said integration of the digitised monument-boundary data with State land records is being undertaken wherever required, in coordination with respective State governments and revenue authorities.

The information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on August 13.

J&K heritage protection

The disclosure assumes particular significance for Jammu & Kashmir, which has a large and diverse heritage landscape comprising ancient archaeological remains, historic structures, religious monuments and other sites of cultural importance.

The reporting of encroachments on 12 centrally protected sites highlights the importance of clearly demarcated monument boundaries, updated land records and sustained coordination between the ASI and local revenue authorities to prevent further encroachment and safeguard J&K’s protected heritage.

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