**Executive Summary**
This report, released on February 5, 2026, by PIB Delhi, provides an update on the protection and conservation of protected monuments in India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act, 1958). It details the number of protected sites, efforts to address unauthorized constructions, and conservation efforts undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The information was provided by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Protected Sites:**
* A total of 3686 protected monuments and protected areas (sites) are declared under the AMASR Act, 1958.
* Monument-wise notifications and dates are available in the public domain through official Gazette notifications.
* **Unauthorized Constructions:**
* Instances of unauthorized constructions in prohibited and regulated areas around the monuments have been identified.
* Action is being taken as per the AMASR Act, including the issuance of notices, stoppage of construction, and demolition of illegal structures, with coordination from local authorities.
* **Monument Status:**
* No protected monument or protected area (sites) is untraceable at present.
* **Cultural Notice Boards:**
* Cultural Notice Boards (CNB) are placed at selected monuments with high visitor footfall.
* These CNBs are provided on requirement basis and are a continuous process.
* **Entry Fees:**
* Entry fees are applicable at only 143 out of the 3686 protected monuments and areas.
* **Conservation and Restoration:**
* The ASI undertakes conservation and restoration continuously, subject to the availability of funds and resources, and in accordance with the National Conservation Policy.
* Both ticketed and non-ticketed monuments are covered, with no separate classification based on the requirement of conservation or restoration.
* All protected monuments are governed by the provisions of AMASR Act, 1958.
**Impact Analysis**
**Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)**
* **Impact**
* Responsible for the continuous conservation and restoration of protected monuments and areas, subject to resource availability.
* **Action Required**
* Continue the ongoing conservation and restoration efforts in accordance with the National Conservation Policy and AMASR Act, 1958.
**Union Minister for Culture and Tourism**
* **Impact**
* Accountable for providing information related to monument protection and conservation in response to parliamentary inquiries.
* **Action Required**
* Continually monitor and address issues related to unauthorised construction and ensure that monuments are properly maintained and safeguarded.
**General Public**
* **Impact**
* Ensuring that the monuments are protected and open to the public.
* **Action Required**
* Adhere to the rules and regulations set by the ASI and authorities, and report any instances of unauthorized constructions or illegal activities around the monuments.
Key Entities Referenced
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act,1958): Governs the protection and conservation of protected monuments and areas in India.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Undertakes the conservation and restoration of protected monuments and areas.
Ministry of Culture: The central government ministry responsible for culture in India.
National Conservation Policy: Guides the conservation and restoration of protected monuments and areas undertaken by the ASI.
Ministry of Culture
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
PROTECTED MONUMENTS
Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 3:18PM by PIB Delhi
A total 3686 number of protected monuments and protected areas (sites) are declared under the provisions
of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act,1958) across
the country. The monument-wise notification along with dates issued through official Gazette notifications
are in public domain such as egazette (https://egazette.gov.in), abhilekh patal (https://www.abhilekh-patal.i
n), Centre and State Archives, etc. Instances of unauthorised constructions in the prohibited and regulated
areas around such monuments have been identified at various locations. Action has been taken as per the
Act and related rules, which includes issuance of notices, stoppage of construction, demolition of illegal
structures, and coordination with local authorities to prevent further violations.
No protected monument or protected area (sites) is untraceable at present.
The Cultural Notice Boards (CNB) are placed at selected monuments where visitor’s footfall is high.
Installed CNBs are sometimes get damage due to various factors or information gets faded in course of
time. These CNBs are provided on requirement basis which is a continuous process.
Out of 3686 protected monuments and protected areas (sites) entry fee is applicable at only 143. The
conservation and restoration of protected monuments and protected areas (sites) is a continuous process
undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as per need and requirement, subject to
availability of funds and resources, and in accordance with the National Conservation Policy. Both
ticketed and non-ticketed monuments are covered under this process. There is no separate classification of
monuments based on the requirement of conservation or restoration.
All the protected monuments and protected areas are similarly governed under the provisions of AMASR
Act, 1958.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
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M Annadurai
(Release ID: 2223732) Visitor Counter : 97
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