**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3525, answered on August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Culture addressed the impact of climate change on Indian heritage properties. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertakes the conservation and preservation of 3685 monuments and sites under its jurisdiction. The ASI ensures these monuments are not adversely impacted by natural or human-induced factors, including climate change. The government addresses climate change impacts through measures such as biocidal treatment, consolidation, and preservation, as needed, to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the monuments. Conservation is described as an ongoing process, with all monuments and sites reported to be in a good state of preservation.
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.
SHRI ADITYA YADAV: Member of Parliament who asked the question.
CULTURE AND TOURISM: The portfolios held by the minister answering the question.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism answering the question.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary organization in India responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments.
Outstanding Universal Value: Cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.
Indian Heritage: Refers to the cultural and natural heritage present in India
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3525
Answered on 11.08.2025
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON HERITAGE PROPERTIES
3525. SHRI ADITYA YADAV
Will theMinister of CULTURE pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that Indian Heritage properties are
affected by the impacts of climate change at present and in the future; and
(b) if so, the details of the steps taken/ being taken by the Government keeping in mind that
their continued preservation requires understanding these impacts to their Outstanding
Universal Value and responding to them effectively?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a)&(b) ASI undertakes conservation and preservation of 3685 monuments and sites under its
jurisdiction and ensures that these monuments are not impacted adversely by any natural or
human induced factors, including climate change. As and when required, treatment such as
biocidal, consolidation and preservation are given to the monuments to ensure that these are
not damaged and retain their authenticity and integrity. Conservation of monuments is a
regular process and all monuments and sites are in a good state of preservation.