Parliament Question: Conservation of archaeological sites

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1471 ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 1471. SHRI SUBHASH BARALA: SHRI SANJAY SETH: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the specific measures currently in place to protect and conserve archaeological sites of historical significance; (b) whether there are any new policies or laws being proposed to strengthen the protection of archaeological sites; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the funding and resources available for researchers and archaeologists working on conservation projects? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) looks after 3686 protected monuments and protected areas (sites) in the country. Their Conservation, preservation and maintenance is carried out by ASI as per requirement, priority and availability of resources, which is a regular phenomenon. Inspection of monuments and sites is taken up by ASI’s officials/officers from time to time to assess their condition and annual works programme is drawn for conservation and maintenance accordingly. To secure protected monuments and sites, boundary walls, fencing, etc. are provided as per need. In addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel and CISF have also been deployed for the safety and security of selected protected monuments and sites across the country. (b)& Mechanism for protection of monuments and archaeological sites is already in place. (c) Section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 provides, for declaring any ancient monument or archaeological site and remains to be of national importance. Further, the conservation and preservation of protected monuments and protected areas (sites) are taken up following National Conservation Policy, 2014. (d) ASI does not maintain any separate budget head for researches in the field of conservation. Maintenance and conservation of monuments and areas (sites) is carried out by the ASI utilising regular budget allocated by the Government. However, ASI seeks special assistance from the specialized agencies like Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) etc. as and when required for any conservation related challenges. *****