Parliament Question: Restoration of heritage structures

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1465 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 RESTORATION OF HERITAGE STRUCTURE 1465 SHRI A. D. SINGH: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the details of heritage restoration projects undertaken by ASI and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) during the last three years; (b) whether Government has collaborated with private entities or international agencies for restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage structures; and (c) the measures being taken to promote sustainable tourism and local employment through heritage conservation? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) There are 3686 Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country. Conservation and maintenance is a regular process and taken up as per the need of monument/sites and availability of resources as per the National Policy for Conservation. The allocation and expenditure for these Monuments/Sites during the last three years are given as under: (Amount Rs. in Crores) Sl. Year Allocation Expenditure No. 1. 2022-23 392.71 391.93 2. 2023-24 443.53 443.53 3. 2024-25 313.43 313.04 The details of heritage restoration projects undertaken by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) during the last three years are attached as Annexure-I; as per information received from INTACH.(b) To collaborate with private entities for restoration of heritage structures, there is a provision under the National Culture Fund (NCF). NCF, a trust under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, serves as a financing mechanism for enabling-donor/sponsor institution to support Protection, Restoration, Conservation and Development of India’s rich tangible and intangible culture and heritage (Monuments/Cultural Traditions) directly as partners with the Government. (c) Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including sustainable tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism complements the efforts of States/UTs by developing and promoting various tourism products of the country, including sustainable tourism through various schemes and initiatives. Environmental Sustainability and Socio-Cultural Sustainability are two key pillars in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry. The Ministry also launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices. Travel for LiFE aims to promote sustainable tourism in the country, through mindful and deliberate actions mobilized toward tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources. The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. Through these initiatives, the Government seeks to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economy while safeguarding the environment and benefiting local communities. ASI undertakes heritage conservation using traditional methodology keeping in mind the authenticity and integrity of the heritage structure to enhance visitor experience. ASI also engages local artisans in heritage conservation thus giving employment opportunity to the locals.Annexure-I STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED Q. NO. 1465 FOR 12.02.2026. List of Heritage Conservation Projects undertaken in last 03 (three) years by INTACH SI. Name of Project Name of client/ Detail of the Project (Salient Feature of the No. Department Project) 1. HRIDAY-Heritage National Institute of Urban Preparation of City Heritage Plans, monitoring and Development projects in Gaya, Affairs (NIUA, MoHUA, supervision of restoration projects Warangal and Varanasi GoI) 2. Restoration of “Jatra Kuva” an Reliance Industries Limited The historic well and Nageswar Mahadev Temple Ancient Well and Restoration of and Mora Village Panchayat of Mora village in Surat has its historic and ancient Lord Shiva Temple, religious significance mentioned in Tapi Mora Village, Surat, Gujarat Mahapuran. As a CSR initiative, Reliance Industries Ltd. approached INTACH to restore the two structures. The conservation work included revival of the well structure which was buried in the ground due to landfill and redevelopment of the site. The Conservation of the temple included structural restoration and site development. 3. Setting up of Virtual National Council of Science INTACH and NCSM entered into an MoU in 2018 Experiential Museum,Varanasi, Museums (NCSM), for designing, scripting and curation of the Virtual at Man Mahal, Varanasi, Uttar Ministry of Culture ,Govt. Experiential Museum at the Man Mahal (Centrally Pradesh of India Protected Monument). The Museum was inaugurated and visited by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 4. Restoration of Vadia Palace Gujarat Forest Rangers Built in 1939, the palatial residence Maharaja (presently Gujarat Forest College, Rajpipla Vijaysinh ji of Rajpipla Princely Estate, the Vadia Rangers College), Rajpipla, palace was acceded to the Government of India. It Gujarat now houses the Gujarat Forest Ranger’s College who approached INTACH to prepare the DPR. The work has been carried out in phases wherein the phase I addressed the structural restoration, urgent repairs and waterproofing of the terrace by retaining and repairing the original mosaic design flooring. 5. Raja Shankar Shah Kunwar Tribal Affairs Department, The Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Raghunath Shah Museum, Bhopal, Govt. of Madhya Shah Museum was established in Jabalpur to honour Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Pradesh two iconic figures of the 1857 uprising. To commemorate their bravery and sacrifice, the Tribal Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs GoI, established a museum-cum- memorial in the old DFO building, covering one acre of land on High Court Road, Civil Lines, Jabalpur. The building was first restored by INTACH, who also designed and curated the museum. The museum was inaugurated by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a virtual event on November 15, 2024, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The museum is now open to visitors.6. Design and Project Management Ministry of External In December 2019, INTACH was appointed by the Consultancy Services for Affairs, Govt. of India Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), GoI for the Conservation and Restoration of conservation of 12 earthquake- affected cultural sites 11earhtquake affected Cultural in Nepal. The sites are Seto Machindranath Temple Heritage Building and Sites and Nepal Bhasa Parishad (Kathmandu), Kumari Chhen and Ghar, Jestha Varna Mahavihara, Gopichandra Mahavihara, Napichandra Mahavihara, Gusthal Mahavihara, Adalat Bhawan, Hiranya Varna Mahavihara (Lalitpur) and Jangam Math (Bhaktapur). INTACH's work included the establishment of a Design & Project Management Consultancy. INTACH established an Office in Kathmandu at CLPIU [Building], Babar Mahal, featuring a core technical team of Conservation Architects, Architects, and Engineers which was operational until May 2024. Out of 12 projects, six projects were completed by April 2024 and INTACH concluded its operations in Nepal in May 2024. 7. Restoration and Revival of Shree M.R. Morarka Built in1600 CE at Har ki Pauri, Haridwar, by Raja Ganga Mandir at Har Ki Pauri, Foundation, Mumbai Man Singh, the temple was originally called Man Haridwar, Uttarakhand Singh ki Chhatri. The conservation work included revival of the original dome, which was replaced in the 1990s by a concrete shikhara and complete restoration of the structure as per original. 8. Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Delhi Police Housing Constructed in the 1800s, this is one of the oldest of Barh Ki Chowki, Delhi Corporation Limited police chowkis in Delhi. The restoration included (partly funded by NCF) emergency repairs, restoration of the dilapidated walls, stabilisation of the structural members and site development. 9. Conservation of General Post Department of Post, Constructed in 1913 by Scottish architect John Begg Office Mumbai,Mahrasthra- Govt. of India in Indo Saracenic architectural style, salient features PhaseI,1Aand II include large central dome which is the second largest dome in India, constructed on the model of Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur. Conservation of GPO building (Phase III) is presently being done under the technical supervision of INTACH. Phase I and II of the project is complete. 10. Conservation of Lady Hardinge Lady Hardinge LHMC is the oldest medical college for women, built Medical College and Assoc. Medical College in 1916 by architect John Begg. The college has Hospitals, New Delhi signed an MoU with INTACH to undertake conservation of the Heritage building. INTACH has till date completed waterproofing of admin block and physiology block terrace, restoration of façade of admin block, restoration of metal alloy statue of Lady Hardinge and its stone canopy and restoration of fire affected room of Anatomy Block.11 Restoration of the High Court High Court Allahabad The Allahabad High Court built in1914-1916, Heritage Building, Allahabad, designed by Frank Lishman, located in the center of Uttar Pradesh city covers an area of 28 acres, within which the heritage building occupies around 10,000 sqm. The proposal includes restoration of heritage building, waterproofing of flat roof, pitched roof and dome, restoration of original false ceilings, upgrading the services and stabilizing the structure. INTACH has been appointed as a consultant on the project. 12 Restoration of Darbhanga Palace, 7 Intelligence Bureau, Constructed in 1928 for the Maharaja of Darbhanga, Man Singh Road, New Delhi Ministry of Home Bihar the G+1 building is in colonial style with Indo- Affairs, Govt. of India Gothic and Indo-Persian influences. Prominent features include mural paintings in the interiors of the Darbar Hall, stone jalis, Florentine arches, and concrete saucer-shaped features on the terrace. INTACH has been appointed as consultant on the project. 13 Restoration/Preservation of New Department of Post, It is an iconic landmark building of New Delhi, built Delhi GPO- Gol Dak Khana Govt. of India with a circular layout in a major roundabout. It was (Heritage Building) New Delhi constructed in 1932-34 by architect Robert Tor Russell. The building has undergone several additions and alterations in the past that has changed its original form and layout. The proposal includes restoring the building to its original footprint, optimizing the usage of internal spaces as per the requirement of the post office and restoring the lost/ damaged architectural features and renewal of all services. 14 Restoration /Repair/Maintenance of University of Senate hall in Allahabad University, one of India’s Senate Hall and Clock Tower, Allahabad, Uttar oldest universities was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob Allahabad University, Prayagraj, Pradesh in 1910. The building houses a grand clock tower with Uttar Pradesh a historic clock manufactured by JG Bechtler Son & Company, Allahabad was installed atop the senate hall building in 1912. The aim of restoration is to safeguard and restore this heritage asset for the University and reviving the clock tower including making the clock functional. 15 Conservation and Restoration of Intelligence Bureau, The Madhav Vilas Palace was built in early 20th the heritage buildings at Madhav Ministry of Home century by the royal family of Scindia from Gwalior. Vilas Palace, DRTC, Shivpuri, Affairs, Govt. of India Built in a campus of area 63 acres, the palace was Madhya Pradesh used as a royal residence and retreat. It now functions as the Direct Recruitment and Training Centre of the Intelligence Bureau. The campus has 9 heritage buildings, of which the restoration of New Kothi is included in Phase I for which the DPR is prepared. 16 Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Planning, Programme INTACH has signed an MoU with the Govt. of Museum, Kelsih, Mizoram and Implementation Mizoram to design, curate and establish a Tribal Dept. Freedom Fighter’s Museum. The work is presently Govt. of Mizoram ongoing. 17 Rejuvenation of Satpula Lake, Rotary Club The revival of the historically dry lake is being Delhi undertaken by treating waste water from the nearby drain through Nature-Based Solutions and allowing the treated water to flow into the lake, resulting in a significant reduction in BOD from 230 mg/Lto15 mg/L.18 Rejuvenation of Indian Botanical HSBC & MoEFF &CC The Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah—India’s oldest Garden Howrah botanic garden—was severely impacted by Cyclone Amphan. The Garden comprises 24 interconnected lakes that support several exotic plant species. INTACH restored the choked interconnecting channels and revived several lakes that were damaged during the cyclone, there by re-establishing hydrological connectivity across the system. A new water supply network was developed to ensure sustained water availability in all lakes. In addition, numerous exotic plant species were planted in accordance with the guidance of the IBG authorities. Mangrove patches were also created along the Hooghly River to protect the riverbank from erosion. 19 Restoration of Davanal Kund Datri Foundation Davanal Kund is a historical water body associated with Goverdhan, Mathura Lord Krishna that had fallen into a depleted condition with contaminated water quality. INTACH restored the kund by repairing damaged civil structures and reinstating its original form. The water was also treated using bioremediation methods to improve its quality. 20 Development of Qudsia Ghat Delhi Development Qudsia Ghat is located along the Yamuna River, (Vasudev Ghat) Flood Plains of Authority adjacent to Qudsia Bagh. During site investigations, River Yamuna, Delhi remnants of the historic ghat structures were discovered. INTACH prepared and executed a comprehensive development plan for the ghat. As part of the project, the ghat steps, Baradari ,Char Bagh, a statue of Yamuna Ji, and elephant statues were developed to restore and enhance the site’s historical and cultural character. The site now serves as a venue for the regular performance of the Yamuna Aarti. 21 Development of 9 Kunds (Laxmi Varanasi Development VDA engaged INTACH to investigate the kunds, Talab, Paharia Talab, Panchkosi Authority prepare comprehensive development plans, and execute Talab, Rewa Talab, Sona Talab, the plans on site. INTACH developed and implemented Bakariya Talab, Dudhiya Talab, individual plans for each kund, taking into account their Kalha Talab, Kabir PrakatiyaTalab) cultural significance and ecological importance. at Varanasi, UP 22 Afforestation (Rudraksh, Bhojpatra HCL Foundation Under a tripartite agreement between INTACH, NMCG & Local Species) in the Mid-Hills and HCL Foundation, landscape conservation and of Uttrakhand Himalayas habitat restoration is being carried out in the middle and upper Himalayas in Uttarakhand through plantation of Rudraksh, Bhojpatra and their associated species. More than 30000 saplings have been planted over a period of 4 years in Chamoli, Almora and Uttarkashi districts. 23 Conservation of paintings at Bethany Chapel Paintings Conservation Bathany Mother House Chapel Mangalore 24 Conservation of Indian Customs Indian Customs and Museum Conservation and Indirect Taxes Museum Indirect Taxes Museum, Oanaji, Goa 25 Conservation of Delhi Police Delhi Police Museum Museum Conservation Museum 26 Conservation of Museum of Museum of Christian Art Museum Conservation Christion Art 27 Undertake conservation and Nepal Art Council Conservation and Restoration of Art work sand heritage restoration of historical and sites. important art works and heritage sites. 28 Conservation of Fresco Paintings Fresco Paintings at Paintings Conservation of North Block North Block29 Conservation of Paintings at St. Chapel ,Mangalore Painting Conservation Aloysius Chapel 30 Conservation of rare paper Lucknow Smart Manuscripts conservation manuscripts CityLtd 31 Conservation of books Lucknow Smart City Books conservation Ltd 32 Conservation of rare books, IPM Lucknow Smart City Books conservation & IPM Ltd 33 Conservation, Archival binding National Institute of Conservation, Archival binding Design 34 Conservation of Shiv temple I, Pandit Balmukund Conservation of exterior, interior and architectural Raebareli, U.P. Mishra Samajik features of the temple. Evam Dharmik Trust (PBMSD), Behta Kalan, Raebareli, (U.P.) 35 Conservation of Shree Bhauji Balrampur Dharam Conservation of exterior, interior and architectural Sahiba Shivalaya, Balrampur, Karya Nidhi Trust, features of the temple U.P. Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P. 36 Conservation of East Gate, Balrampur Dharam Conservation of architectural features of the gate Balrampur, U.P. Karya Nidhi Trust, Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P. 38 Conservation of Gupt Hari INTACH Ayodhya Bastion and flooring restoration temple, Ayodhya, U.P. Chapter 39 DAMH–State Museum & VAG Department of DAMH–State Museum & VAG of 86 art works of 86 art works Archaeology and Museum Heritage 40 Kalari Project–kerala, Hotel and Allied Kalari Project–kerala, Polychrome Polychrome wood ensealing and trades Pvt Ltd Unit – small sculptures kerala 41 DAMH– Roerich239 artworks Department of DAMH– Roerich239 artworks Archaeology and Museum Heritage 42 AzimPremjiUniversity– Azim Premji Azim Premji University–20artworks 20artworks University 43 National Centre for Biological National Centre for National Centre for Biological Sciences–57artworks Sciences – 57 artworks Biological Sciences 44 DAMH-GIM–216 art works Department of DAMH-GIM–216 artworks Archaeology and Museum Heritage 45 High Court of Karnataka–3 art High Court HighCourtofKarnataka–3artworks works 46 DAMH-POP Department of DAMH-POP Archeology and Museum Heritage 47 Bangalore International Airport BIAL Bangalore International Airport Ltd.( BIAL) Ltd. (BIAL) 48 DAMH–Hebbar&Venkatappa– Department of Museum Conservation 220 collections Archeology and Museum Heritage 49 Southern Railways–Chennai Southern Railways Southern Railways–Chennai – Chennai 50 Conservation of the Inscription Director of Karnataka Inscription Conservation Plaque at the Police State Intelligence Headquarters51 Lalbhag– 8 Photographs Lalbhag Lalbhag– 8 Photographs 52 The Museum of Art and The Museum of Museum Conservation Photography– MAP Artand Photography 53 Conservation of Judicial Archives The High court of Archives Conservation and conservation of High Court Orissa of Orissa Museum 54 Conservation of Old and Rare Board of Revenue, Old and Rare records Conservation Records of Board of Revenue, Odisha, Cuttack Odisha, Cuttack 55 Conservation of archival records National Archives of Archival Conservation of National Archives India, Records Centre, Eastern Zone, Bhubaneswar 56 Conservation of Rare Books of Ravenshaw Books Conservation Kanika Library University, Cuttack 57 Rabindra Bharati Museum, Conservation of Certificate Conservation Kolkata Certificates 58 Kolkata Port Trust Restoration of Paintings and Poster Conservation Paintings and Poster 59 Kolkata Port Trust Conservation of Drawings Conservation old drawings 60 HQ Eastern Command Library, Conservation of rare Books and Maps Conservation Fort Willium, Kolkata books and maps 61 Eastern Railway, Kolkata Conservation of Old Old Time and Table Conservation Time Table 62 Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Digitization of Paper Digitization Trust Drawing and Documents 63 Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Conservation and Books Conservation Trust Binding of Minute Books 64 Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Conservation and Trust Digitization of old maps, drawing and documents 65 Conservation of 26 nos. of Odisha State Restoration of Ancient Temple, Math, Museum, Monuments in Odisha Archaeology, Dept. of Masjid etc. Culture, Govt. of Odisha 66 Restoration of Late Janakinath Dept. of Culture, Govt. Restoration of the Building and conversion into Bose House at Puri, Odisha of Odisha Subhash Bose Museum 67 Conservation of Heritage ICZMP (Wildlife), Restoration of the Building Building at Hukitola, Kendrapara, Mangrove Forest Odisha Division, Rajanagar Kendrapara, Odisha 68 Conservation of Ranimahal, Dept. of Tourism & Restoration of the Palace Sambalpur, Odisha Culture (Tourism), Govt. of Odisha 69 Conservation of Ghadi Ghar, Odisha State Conservation of Ghadi Ghar of Nilagiri Palace Nilagiri, Balasore Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha 70 Conservation of Kapileswar Odisha State Chemical Conservation of Main Temple and paving Temple, Old Town Bhubaneswar Archaeology, Dept. of Around the Temple Culture, Govt. of Odisha71 Preservation and Chemical ICZMP (Culture) Restoration of Fort Conservation of Pothagarh Fort at Odisha Ganjam 72 Renovation of Town Hall, Dept. of Tourism, Restoration of the Building, Peripheral Development Sambalpur. Govt. of Odisha and Conversion in to museum 73 Renovation of Ananda Bazar inside Odisha State Development of Bhoga Mandapand Anada Bazar Lingaraj Temple Campus at Old Archaeology, Dept. of Town, Bhubaneswar Culture, Govt. of Odisha 74 Restoration of Wooden Canopy of Dept. of Tourism, Restoration of Wooden Canopy Maa Charchika Temple at Cuttack. Govt. of Odisha 75 Development of Orissa High Court The High Court of Restoration and Development of the Building and Museum, Cuttack Orissa, Dept. of Law, Museum Govt. of Odisha Restoration of Late Manoj Das Odisha State Restoration of Birth Place and Development into 76 Memorial. House & Eventual Conversion into Archaeology, Dept. of Memorial at Sankhari, Balasore, Culture, Govt. of Odisha Odisha 77 Conservation of Shiv TempleI I, Pandit Balmukund Conservation of exterior, interior, architectural Raebareli, U.P. Mishra Samajik features of the temple Evam Dharmik Trust (PBMSD), Behta Kalan, Raebareli, (U.P.) 78 Conservation of South Gate, Balrampur Dharam Conservation of architectural features of the gate Balrampur, U.P. Karya Nidhi Trust, Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P. 79 D 23A 9M arH t w–F or ra km s ing & Mounting– Department of Conservation of Museum Archeology and Museum Heritage Wipro–46artworks Wipro 80 81 The Museum of Art and The Museum of Art Conservation of Museum and Photography Photography– MAP and Photography 82 C Ho on us se er av t a Sti ao mn b o af l p B ure , zbaruh D Ge op vt t. . o of f T Oo du isri hs am &, Restoration of Building and Conversion into memorial Odisha. Dept. of Culture, Govt.of Assam Conservation of George Lions Dept. of Tourism, 83 Clubat Balangir, Odisha Govt. of Odisha 84 Restoration and Department of Restoration of Museum Hall, Library Hall and Development of Gandhi Odisha Odia Language Auditorium Hall Balashrama at Literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha Garadpur, District-Bhadrak, Odisha 85 Establishment of Maritime Director Port, IWT, Conservation of Museum at Chandbali, Dist- Bhadrak, Odisha Govt. of Odisha Old Port House and Development into Maritime Museum 86 Restoration of Chaurasi Una Local Restoration of 84 steps and gateway administration Pauri,Una, Himachal Pradesh Restoration of Veda Temple, 87 Ramgarh, ShekhawatiConservation of Hanuman Dharmartha, Govt. 88 Garhiand of MP AwadhVihar I Temple, Datia, Madhya Pradesh Birla Corp 89 Restoration of Sharda Mata Baoli, Maihar, MP 90 Jammu Smart City Restoration of Deodi facades – Satya Narayan Temple, Radha Krishna temple and Sardaron ka mandir, Jammu 91 Restoration of Charan Paduka Mandir, Guptar Ghat, Ayodhya 92 Oli Temple, Old Mata Vaishno Devi route, Bamiyal, J & K 93 Restoration of Stepwell, IKSV, Indira Kala Sangeet Khairagarh, Chattisgarh Viswavidyalaya, Khairagarh 94 French Major Tomb, Jharsa Village, Gurugram, Haryana 95 Gateway, Old Ganga Bridge, Kanpur 96 St. Mary’s Church Restoration of St. Mary’s Church (chapel portion- Phase I), Ajmer, Rajasthan 97 Bihar Bal Bhawan Heritage Buildings in Kilkari campus, Bihar Bal Bhavan, Muzza farpur, Bihar 98 Historic Well, Dhun Village, Tarn Taran, Punjab 99 Nagar Nigam Museum, Gwalior, Gwalior Nagar Nigam MP 100 Rajakiya Library, Prayagraj Prayagraj Smart City Ltd. *****