18 historic sites delisted as no longer meeting national importance criteria
GS1History · Society · Geography· Heritage sites, UNESCO & GI tags· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Union Minister of Culture announced the delisting of 18 historic sites from the protected monuments list for failing to meet national importance criteria.
Background
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently maintains 3,688 centrally protected sites. The delisting is governed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyASI: Archaeological Survey of India is the primary body responsible for archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage in India.
- Act / BillAncient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: The primary legislation governing the protection of archaeological sites.
- Fact3,688: The current number of centrally protected sites maintained by the ASI.
- Act / BillPublic Records Act, 1993: Governs the preservation and auditing of public records.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing urban development with the preservation of heritage sites in India. How can the ASI ensure the integrity of national heritage?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- criteria for 'national importance'
- urban encroachment vs. conservation
- role of ASI in heritage management
- way forward: community-led conservation
Keywords: heritage conservation · national importance · ASI · legislative framework · cultural preservation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.