**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 195, addressed on July 21, 2025, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided details regarding cultural restoration and heritage conservation efforts of historical sites in Delhi. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in coordination with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), is undertaking conservation and restoration of monuments under its jurisdiction located on DDA-owned land, specifically at Shalimar Bagh and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Currently, there are no ongoing projects being executed at monuments under ASI jurisdiction located on DDA-owned land. Conservation and restoration work is conducted based on the needs of the monument, resource availability, and in accordance with the National Policy for Conservation, 2014, under the supervision of ASI officials. The ASI is committed to preserving the authenticity and integrity of monuments while minimizing negative impacts and developing public amenities within the designated areas.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for culture.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
Delhi Development Authority (DDA): A planning agency responsible for the development of Delhi.
Delhi: A city and union territory of India.
Chandni Chowk: One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Minister of Culture and Tourism
National Policy for Conservation, 2014: A policy document providing guidelines for conservation efforts.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.195
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
CULTURAL RESTORATION AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION OF HISTORICAL
SITES IN DELHI
195. SHRI PRAVEEN KHANDELWAL:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in coordination with the Delhi
Development Authority (DDA) is working to undertake cultural restoration and
heritage conservation of important historical sites in Delhi, including Chandni
Chowk and its adjoining areas;
(b) if so, the details of the projects currently underway, including the scope of
restoration, timelines and budgetary allocations;
(c) whether the local communities, urban planners and heritage conservationists are
being consulted as part of the restoration process to ensure cultural integrity and
public participation and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has prepared any long-term plan or vision document for
integrating heritage restoration with tourism development and urban regeneration
in Old Delhi and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that such
restoration efforts preserve the architectural character of the sites while
enhancing public access, amenities and awareness?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) Yes, Sir. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken conservation and
restoration of monuments under its jurisdiction which are located in the following
DDA owned land.
i. Shalimar Bagh
ii. Mehrauli Archaeological Park
(b) At present, no ongoing projects are available to be executed at monuments under
the jurisdiction of ASI which are located in DDA owned land.
(c) The conservation and restoration work of centrally protected monuments are
& taken up as per the need of the monument and availability of resources subject to
(d) the Rules and terms of National Policy for Conservation, 2014. Further, the work
of repair & maintenance of centrally protected monument is executed under the
close supervision of Officials/Officers of Archaeological Survey of India.
(e) ASI has taken up conservation of the monuments/sites retaining its authenticity,
integrity and as per practice, efforts are being made to minimize negative impact
on monuments while creating the public amenities within the precincts.
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