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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. *321
TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026
PROJECTS FOR CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS
*321. SHRI MANOJ KUMAR:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) the details of projects approved for conservation, restoration and upgradation of tourist
facilities at protected monuments during the last three years in Bihar, particularly in
Kaimur and Rohtas districts along with the funds spent these on, so far;
(b) whether the Government has considered historically important sites in Bihar particularly
in the said districts in the list of protected monuments of national importance and if so,
the details thereof along with the status of proposals and the proposed steps for their
conservation;
(c) the details of the initiatives taken/being taken by the Government to develop cultural and
tourism circuits in Bihar particularly in the said districts;
(d) the details of the investment made in infrastructure and publicity to attract tourists during
the last five year in Bihar, year and district wise;
(e) the details of the involvement of local communities in tourism activities; and
(f) the impact of cultural tourism on local economy and heritage conservation?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (f) OF THE LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *321 FOR 16.03.2026.
(a) There are 70 nos. of centrally protected monuments under the jurisdiction of
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the State of Bihar. ASI takes up
conservation, restoration and up-gradation of tourist facilities of these
monuments/sites as per the need and availability of resources subject to the
National Policy for Conservation and it is a continuous process. The details of
funds allocated and expenditure incurred on conservation, restoration and up-
gradation of tourist facilities in the State of Bihar during last three years are given
as under:-
(Amount in Crores)
S. Year Allocation Expenditure
No. incurred
1. 2022-23 9.00 9.00
2. 2023-24 16.00 16.00
3. 2024-25 8.73 8.73
The details of major conservation works executed during the last three years and
current financial year in the State of Bihar are given at Annexure-I.
The details of conservation and maintenance works executed and expenditure
incurred thereon in Kaimur & Rohtas districts of Bihar during the last three years
are given at Annexure-II.
(b) Protection of ancient monuments / archaeological sites and remains is a
continuous process. Monuments and Sites are assessed on the basis of their
archaeological, historical, and architectural significance, and those found worthy
are declared as monuments/sites of national importance as per the provision of the
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
(c) Government of India has set up North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) at
& Prayagraj and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre(EZCC) at Kolkata to preserve and
(d) promote various forms of folk art and culture of their member States. Bihar is the
member State of these ZCCs and they organize various cultural activities and
programmes in their member State including the State of Bihar on regular basis
for which annual grant-in-aid is provided to them. Some of the key programmes
organized in Bihar include Octave, Meri Matti Mera Desh, Har Ghar Tiranga
Campaign, Lok Natya Samaroh, Prakashotsav-350th Birth Anniversary of Guru
Gobind Singh, Ganga Sanskriti Yatra etc.
Development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily
undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory
Administration (UTA). The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector
schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD), ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge
Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0
scheme and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive
(PRASHAD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in
the country by extending financial assistance to the SGs/UTAs in synergy with the
scheme guidelines, receipt of the project proposals from the concerned State
Government/Union Territory Administrations, availability of funds etc.
Further, Government of India under its ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital
Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’
sanctioned 40 projects in 23 States for Rs. 3295.76 Crore in the country including
Bihar in Financial Year 2024-25, with the primary objective to comprehensivelydevelop iconic tourist centres in the country, branding and marketing them at
global scale.
The details of the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan (SD), SD2.0,
CBDD, a sub scheme of under Swadesh Darshan, SASCI and PRASHAD
schemes in the State of Bihar is given at Annexure-III.
(e) Local communities participate in tourism in several ways. They often work as
& tourist guides, photographers, vendors, and shopkeepers, providing services and
(f) selling local products to visitors. Through these activities, they earn income and
contribute to the overall tourism experience.
The Ministry encourages State Governments/ UT Administrations to engage with
local communities and ensure robust O&M of completed projects so as to increase
footfall, generate local employment and enhance overall tourist satisfaction.
Cultural tourism helps boost the local economy by creating jobs and supporting
local businesses near heritage sites. It also raises public awareness about protecting
cultural heritage.Annexure – I
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. *321 FOR 16.03.2026
THE DETAILS OF MAJOR CONSERVATION WORKS EXECUTED DURING THE
LAST THREE YEARS AND CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IN THE STATE OF
BIHAR
F.Y. 2022-23
Sr. Name of Monument Details of Major Conservation works executed
No.
1. All mounds, structures and Conservation of side portion of Temple No. 12 at
buildings enclosed in the Excavated remains, Nalanda
acquired area, Nalanda, district- Conservation of Monastery No. 08 at Nalanda
Nalanda Conservation of Temple No. 14 at Nalanda
Conservation of Temple No.02 of Excavated
Remains at Nalanda
Conservation of lower portion of northern side
temple No. 13 at Nalanda
2. Buddhist Stupa, Tajpur, Conservation of Newly Expose structure of
Deur, district- East Champaran Buddhist Stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran
Conservation of Eastern side of Newly Excavated
site Buddhist Stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran.
Conservation of West side of Newly Excavated site
Buddhist Stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran.
3. Ashokan Column Kolhua, Structural Conservation of Khutagarshala Swastika
district- Muzaffarpur. Monastery Ashokan Column Kolhua
4. Ancient site of Vikramshila Conservation of North east monastery at Excavated
Monastery, Antichak, remains at Vikramshila Antichak
Madhorampur, Oriup, district- Conservation of Tibetan Temple Vikramshila
Bhagalpur Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery (South & West side)
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Plinth Protection (Monastery Cell)
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur
Conservation of Monastery (North side Mandap
Dwaar) of Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak,
Bhagalpur
Conservation of Monastery Stair (West side) of
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery Stair (South side) of
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
5. Garh of Raja Vishal at Vaishali, Conservation Raja Vishal Ka Garh at Vaishali
district- Vaishali.
6. Tomb of Sher Shah Suri at Conservation of Main Dome and Peripheral
Sasaram, district- Rohtas Structures at Sher Shah Suri Tomb at Sasaram
7. All ancient structures and Conservation & restoration of Mahadeo Temple at
remains or monuments within the Rajgir.areas enclosed by the said walls Conservation Jarasandh Ka Akhara at Rajgir.
of old & new Rajgriha.
(Mahadeo Temple, Rajgir,
district, Nalanda.
8. All ancient structures and all Conservation of Jarasandh Ka Baithaka at Rajgir.
artificial caves and mounds Conservation of Maniyar Math at Rajgir.
containing ancient remains,
which are situated within a
distance of half a mile of the said
ancient cities known as old &
new Rajgriha, (Jarasandh Ka
Baithaka, Maniyar Math),
district, Nalanda.
F.Y. 2023-24
Sr. Name of Monument Details of Major Conservation works executed
No.
1. All mounds, structures and Conservation of Monastery No. 08 at Nalanda
buildings enclosed in the Conservation of Sarai Mound at Nalanda
acquired area, Nalanda, district- Conservation of Temple No. 02 at Nalanda
Nalanda Conservation and restoration of top portion of
temple No. 03 including dismantling of plumb
structure upto 3 meter from top and patch works in
the walls, along with the restoration of stupa at the
north west side at Nalanda
Conservation of Temple No. 14 at Nalanda
2. Ancient site of Vikramshila Conservation of North east Side Monastery
Monastery, Antichak, Excavated Remains Vikramshila Mahavihar,
Madhorampur, Oriup, district- Bhagalpur.
Bhagalpur Conservation of Monastery (North side Mandap
Dwar) Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak,
Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery stair (South side)
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery (South & West side)
Vikramshila Mahavihar Antichak at Bhagalpur.
Conservation of monastery stair (West side)
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
3. All ancient structures and Conservation & restoration of Mahadeo Temple at
remains or monuments within Rajgir.
the areas enclosed by the said
walls of old & new Rajgriha.
(Mahadeo Temple, Rajgir,
district, Nalanda.
4. All ancient structures and all Conservation of Jarasandh Ka Baithaka at Rajgir.artificial caves and mounds Conservation of Maniyar Math at Rajgir.
containing ancient remains,
which are situated within a
distance of half a mile of the said
ancient cities known as old &
new Rajgriha, (Jarasandh Ka
Baithaka, Maniyar Math),
district, Nalanda.
F.Y. 2024-25
Sr. Name of Monument Details of Major Conservation works executed
No.
1. All mounds, structures and Conservation of Sarai Mound at Nalanda
buildings enclosed in the Conservation of Monastery No. 08 at Nalanda
acquired area, Nalanda, district- Conservation of Temple No. 02 at Nalanda.
Nalanda Conservation and restoration of top portion of
temple No. 03 including dismantling of plumb
structure upto 3 meter from top and patch works in
the walls, along with the restoration of stupa at the
north west side at Nalanda
2. Ancient site of Vikramshila Conservation of Monastery stair North side Mandap
Monastery, Antichak, DwarVikramshila, Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Madhorampur, Oriup, district- Conservation of North East side Monastery at
Bhagalpur Excavated remains Vikramshila, Antichak,
Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery stair South side at
Vikramshila, Antichak, Bhagalpur.
3. Ashokan Column Kolhua, Structural Conservation of Kutagarshala Swastik
district- Muzaffarpur. Monastery at Ashokan Column, Kolhua,
Muzaffarpur.
4. Buddhist Stupa, Tajpur, Conservation of West side of Newly Exposed
Deur, district- East Champaran Structure Buddhist Stupa at Kesariya, East
Champaran.
Construction of upper traces of western side of
Buddhist Stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran.
Conservation of Eastern side phase-II of Buddhist
Stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran.
Conservation of Eastern side of Newly Exposed
Structure at Kesariya, East Champaran.
5. Statue of Buddha, Jagdishpur, Conservation of Rukmini Asthan at Jagdishpur,
dist. Nalanda Nalanda
6. All ancient structures and all Conservation of Maniyar Math at Rajgir.
artificial caves and moundscontaining ancient remains,
which are situated within a
distance of half a mile of the said
ancient cities known as old &
new Rajgriha, (Maniyar Math),
district, Nalanda.
7. Temple of Mundeshwari Devi at Conservation of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at Paura
Paura Hill Ramgarh ,district- Hill Ramgarh ,Kaimur
Kaimur
F.Y. 2025-26(till date)
Sr. Name of Monument Details of Major Conservation works executed
No.
1. Ancient site of Vikramshila Conservation of Monastery (South & West side)
Monastery, Antichak, Vikramshila Mahavihar, Antichak, Bhagalpur
Madhorampur, Oriup, district- Conservation of Tibetan Temple Vikramshila
Bhagalpur Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Hindu Temple Complex
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur
Conservation of Monastery stair (South side)
Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak, Bhagalpur.
Conservation of Monastery stair (North side Mandap
Dwaar) Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak,
Bhagalpur.
2. All mounds, structures and Conservation & Restoration of Top portion of
buildings enclosed in the acquired Temple No. 03 including dismantling of plumb
area, Nalanda, district- Nalanda structure upto 3 meter from top and patch works in
the walls , alongwith the restoration of stupa at the
north west side at Nalanda
Conservation of Temple No. 14 at Nalanda
Conservation of side portion of Temple No. 12 at
Nalanda
4. All ancient structures and all Conservation of Jarasandh Ka Akhada at Rajgir,
artificial caves and mounds Nalanda.
containing ancient remains, which
are situated within a distance of
half a mile of the said ancient cities
known as old & new Rajgriha,
(Jarasandh Ka Baithaka), district,
Nalanda.
5. Statue of Buddha, Jagdishpur, dist. Conservation of Rukministhan at Jagdishpur,
Nalanda Nalanda.
6. Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb at Sasaram, Conservation of Main Dome and Peripheral
district- Rohtas Structures at Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb at Sasaram.
7. Buddhist Stupa, Tajpur, Conservation of upper terrace of western side of
Deur, district- East Champaran Buddhist stupa at Kesariya, East Champaran.Annexure – II
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. *321 FOR 16.03.2026
THE DETAILS OF CONSERVATION AND MAINTENANCE WORKS EXECUTED
AND EXPENDITURE INCURRED THEREON IN KAIMUR & ROHTAS DISTRICTS
OF BIHAR DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS AND CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
YEAR 2022-23
Sl. District/State Name of the work Expenditure
No. (Amount in
Rupees)
1. Kaimur, Bihar Conservation of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at Paura 643221.00
Hill, Ramgarh, Distt- Kaimur
2. -do- Repair of Bakhtiyar Khan Tomb at Chainpur. 141615.00
3. -do- Annual Maintenance of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at 90403.00
Paura hill dist. Kaimur
Total 875239.00
4. Rohtas, Bihar Development & Upgradation of Tourist Facilities 195610.00
under 75th Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava at Sher Shah
Suri, Tomb Sasaram
5. -do- Conservation and Renovation of water Bodies at 1850.00
Rohtas Fort, Rohtas.
6. -do- Renovation of Water Bodies at Hasan Shah Suri’s 2925.00
Tomb at Sasaram.
7. -do- Conservation of Main Dome and Peripheral Structures 700.00
at Sher Shah Suri Tomb at Sasaram
8. -do- Annual Maintenance of Hasan Shah Suri Tomb at 492858.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
9. -do- Annual Maintenance of Ashokan inscription at 86279.00
Chandan Shahid Hill Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
10. -do- Repair of Rohtas Garh fort at Rohtas, Sub circle 644688.00
Sasaram
11. -do- Annual Maintenance of Sher Shah Suri Tomb at 1636710.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
Total 3061620.00
YEAR 2023-24
Sl. District/State Name of the work Expenditure
No. (In Rupees)
1. Kaimur, Bihar Annual Maintenance of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at 190910.00
Paura hill dist. Kaimur
2. -do- Repair of Bakhtiyar Khan Tomb at Chainpur. 95455.00
Total 286365.00
3. Rohtas, Bihar Annual Maintenance of Hasan Shah Suri Tomb at 95455.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
4. -do- Annual Maintenance of Ashokan inscription at 95455.00
Chandan Shahid Hill Sasaram
5. -do- Repair of Rohtas Garh fort at Rohtas, Sub circle 276115.00Sasaram
6. -do- Annual Maintenance of Sher Shah Suri Tomb at 745374.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
Total 1212399.00
YEAR 2024-25
Sl. District/State Name of the work Expenditure
No. (In Rupees)
1. Kaimur, Conservation of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at Paura 361000.00
Bihar Hill Ramgarh ,Kaimur
2. -do- Annual Maintenance of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at 170916.00
Paura hill dist. Kaimur
3. Repair of Bakhtiyar Khan Tomb at Chainpur. 85980.00
Total 617896.00
4. Rohtas, Bihar Development and upgradation of Tourist facilities 1944142.00
under 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Sher Shah
Suri Tomb at Sasaram.
5. -do- Annual Maintenance of Hasan Shah Suri Tomb at 85458.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
6. -do- Annual Maintenance of Ashokan inscription at 82005.00
Chandan Shahid Hill Sasaram
7. -do- Repair of Rohtas Garh fort at Rohtas, Sub circle 169872.00
Sasaram
8. -do- Annual Maintenance of Sher Shah Suri Tomb at 1001659.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
Total 3283136.00
YEAR 2025-26 (upto Jan.2026)
Sl. District/State Name of the work Expenditure
No. (In Rupees)
1. Kaimur, Annual Maintenance of Mundeshwari Devi Temple at 128940.00
Bihar Paura hill dist. Kaimur
2. -do- Repair of Bakhtiyar Khan Tomb at Chainpur. 122710.00
Total 251650.00
3. Rohtas, Bihar Conservation of Main Dome and Peripheral Structures 3480584.00
at Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb at Sasaram.
4. -do- Renovation of Water Bodies at Hasan Shah Suri’s 1713560.00
Tomb at Sasaram, under Amrit Sarovar Yojna.
5. -do- Conservation and Renovation of Water Bodies at 2257068.00
Rohtas Fort at Rohtas
6. -do- Tri Colour Illumination of Sher Shah Suri Tomb at 438960.00
Sasaram.
7. -do- Annual Maintenance of Hasan Shah Suri Tomb at 710046.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
8. -do- Annual Maintenance of Ashokan inscription at 59210.00
Chandan Shahid Hill Sasaram
9. -do- Repair of Rohtas Garh fort at Rohtas, Sub circle 299875.00Sasaram
10. -do- Annual Maintenance of Sher Shah Suri Tomb at 1194081.00
Sasaram Distt- Rohtas
Total 10153384.00Annexure – III
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) & (d) OF THE LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. *321 FOR 16.03.2026
1.Details of the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the State of Bihar
S. Name of Project Sanction Category Amount Amount Amount
No. Year Sanctioned Released/ Utilised
(₹ Cr.) Authorised (₹ Cr.)
(₹ Cr.)
1 Development of Vaishali– 2016-17 Tirthankar 33.96 30.04 29.36
Arrah–Masad–Patna– Circuit
Rajgir–Pawapuri–
Champapuri
2 Development of Kanwaria 2016-17 Spiritual 44.76 42.52 42.17
Route: Sultanganj– Circuit
Dharmsala–Deoghar
3 Development of Buddhist 2016-17 Buddhist 95.18 95.18 95.18
Circuit – Convention Circuit
Centre at Bodhgaya
4 Development of 2017-18 Rural 44.27 40.31 40.31
Bhitiharwa–Chandrahia– Circuit
Turkaulia
5 Development of Mandar 2017-18 Spiritual 44.55 42.32 42.32
Hill &Ang Pradesh Circuit
2. Details of the projects sanctioned under SD2.0 scheme in the State of Bihar
S. Name of Project Sanction Category Amount Amount
No. Year Sanctioned Authorised
(₹ Cr.) for
utilization
(₹ Cr.)
1 Development of Buddhist 2024-25 Buddhist 165.44 16.54
Meditation & Experience Experience
Centre, Bodh Gaya
3. Details of the projects sanctioned under CBDD, a Sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0
scheme in the State of Bihar
S. Name of Project Sanction Category Amount Amount
No. Year Sanctioned Authorised
(₹ Cr.) for
utilization
(₹ Cr.)
1 Development of Sonepur Fair 2024-25 Cultural & 24.29 2.43
Site, Saran Heritage4. Details of the projects sanctioned under SASCI scheme in the State of Bihar
S. Name of Project Sanction Amount Amount Released
No. Year Sanctioned (₹ for Authorization
Cr.) (₹ Cr.)
1 Development of Matsyagandha 2024-25 97.61 97.09
Lake, Saharsa
2 Karamchat Eco-Tourism and 2024-25 49.51
Adventure Hub in Karamchat
5. Details of the projects sanctioned under PRASHAD scheme in the State of Bihar
S. Name of Project Sanction Amount Amount Amount
No. Year Sanctioned Released Utilised
(₹ Cr.) (₹ Cr.) (₹ Cr.)
1 Development at Patna Sahib 2015-16 29.62 29.62 29.62
2 Development of basic 2014-15 3.63 3.63 3.63
facilities at Vishnupad
temple, Gaya, Bihar
3. Development of Ambika 2024-25 13.29 0.00 0.00
Bhawani Temple, Saran
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