Parliament Question: Conservation of Archaeological Assets in Katni, Panna and Khajuraho

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1321 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSETS IN KATNI, PANNA AND KHAJURAHO 1321. SHRI VISHNU DUTT SHARMA: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has undertaken district-wise mapping and vulnerability assessment of protected and unprotected archaeological sites, ancient mounds and heritage structures in Katni, Panna and the Khajuraho region; (b) the details of the number of sites scientifically documented, periodically condition- assessed and provided conservation or preventive maintenance during the last five years; (c) whether encroachments, illegal excavation, vandalism, developmental activities or natural deterioration have been identified around any heritage sites and if so, the action taken thereon; (d) whether an integrated heritage management and tourism plan, including community participation and digital documentation has been prepared for the region; and (e) the details of the steps taken to strengthen regular monitoring, heritage mapping, site security, visitor management and long-term conservation of archaeological assets and their surrounding heritage landscape? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) There are 41 centrally protected monuments under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Katni, Panna and the Khajuraho district of Madhya Pradesh. The mapping and vulnerability assessment of the centrally protected monuments including ancient mounds and heritage structures in Katni, Panna and Khajuraho district has been completed. All these monuments are in a good state of preservation. (b) There are 291 centrally protected monuments in the State of Madhya Pradesh. ASI undertakes conservation of these Monuments and sites under the National Conservation Policy, 2014 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, along with the rules framed thereunder. The periodical condition assessments and day to day maintenance of these monuments and sites are carried out in a regular way as per the requirement and availability of resources.(c) There are two Centrally Protected Monuments under the jurisdiction of ASI, Jabalpur Circle where encroachments have been identified, namely: (i) Ancient mound known as Karanbel, Tripuri, Jabalpur; and (ii) Gond Fort called Satkhanda and the tower on Rajghat called Shahburz and the temples therein, Mandla. Show cause notices have been issued in both cases. One instance of illegal excavation was recorded on 12.07.2024 at the Two Temples Ascribed to Gupta Period, Ajaygarh Fort, District Panna, in respect of which an FIR has been lodged. (d) At present no integrated heritage management and tourism plan has been prepared for the region. (e) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has adopted various measures to strengthen regular monitoring, heritage mapping, site security, visitor management and long-term conservation of archaeological assets and their surrounding heritage landscape. These include deployment of security personnel,installation of CCTV surveillance systems,electronic timed-entry ticketing at selected monuments, documentation through 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, LiDAR and drone surveys, implementation of firesafety measures, establishment ofInterpretation Centres, and regular monitoring and maintenance of Centrally Protected Monuments. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed for monitoring, site security and visitor management at Centrally Protected Monuments. -----