SRINAGAR: Twelve centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites in Jammu and Kashmir are currently facing encroachment, the Union Ministry of Culture stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This revelation comes as part of a nationwide assessment indicating that 414 out of 3,688 ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance across India have reported encroachments.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Jammu and Kashmir accounts for 12 such cases, placing it among the states and Union Territories with reported encroachments on centrally protected heritage sites. Nationally, Karnataka leads with 60 reported encroachments, followed by Tamil Nadu with 72 and Uttar Pradesh with 78, according to the data presented by the government.
In response to an unstarred question, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat acknowledged the government’s awareness of observations regarding deficiencies in the boundary and land ownership details of protected monuments. He assured that the government is taking cognisance of these issues.
The Ministry further clarified that under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the protection of a monument does not inherently require the acquisition or ownership of the land upon which it stands. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) holds the responsibility for the conservation and upkeep of centrally protected monuments as stipulated by the Act and its accompanying 1959 Rules. Where instances of encroachment or unauthorised activities are identified, actions are pursued under the relevant legal provisions.
The government indicated that joint surveys are periodically conducted in collaboration with local revenue officials. The objective of these surveys is to accurately fix and safeguard the demarcated boundaries of protected monuments and sites. This collaborative approach aims to prevent further encroachments and ensure the preservation of heritage properties.
Furthermore, the ASI has reportedly completed the survey, geo-referencing, and digitisation of the boundaries for all protected monuments and sites. The comprehensive data gathered from these efforts has been uploaded onto the Bhuvan Portal, a platform managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for geospatial information. The integration of this digitised boundary data with State land records is currently underway in coordination with respective State governments and revenue authorities wherever such integration is deemed necessary.
The Centre’s submission in the Rajya Sabha was made in the context of growing concerns surrounding encroachments and land disputes that adversely affect the protection of invaluable heritage properties across the country. The government reiterated its stance that the implementation of digital boundary mapping and enhanced coordination with revenue authorities are key strategies being employed to strengthen the protective framework for these historical sites.
The Chenab Times News Desk