Parliament Question: Protection of Archaeological Heritage in Khajuraho

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.4984 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 PROTECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN KHAJURAHO 4984 SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is undertaking nationwide measures for protection, conservation, scientific documentation and encroachment-free management of protected monuments and archaeological sites through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); (b) whether the Government is aware of instances of encroachment, deterioration or lack of systematic surveying around protected or unprotected archaeological sites in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency including Khajuraho and surrounding heritage areas; (c) whether any survey, conservation assessment or heritage audit has been conducted in the said areas during the last five years and the current year; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor and whether a comprehensive survey and removal of encroachments is proposed by the Government; and (e) the details of the steps proposed for scientific conservation and long-term protection of archaeological heritage in the said region 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 (Archaeological sites) across 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. To secure protected monuments and sites free from encroachment, boundary walls, fencing, etc. are provided as per need. The Multi Tasking Staff and regular watch and ward staff, have been deployed for the safety and security of protected monuments and sites across the country. In addition to that private security and CISF personnel are deployed at selected monuments and sites for security purpose. (b) There are 36 monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency. The ASI has taken continuous steps for the conservation, and promotion of the protected monuments and areas. ASI ensures conservation through special repair works, annual maintenance and upkeep based on requirement. (c) Inspection of monuments and sites is taken up by Archaeological Survey of India’s officials/officers from time to time to assess their condition accordingly annual works programme is drawn for conservation and maintenance, which is a continuous process. (d) There is no case of encroachment reported in the protected monuments and protected areas (sites) falling under the Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency. (e) Their scientific and conservation is carried out by ASI as per requirement, priority and availability of resources, which is a regular phenomenon, following the National Conservation Policy, 2014. *****