**Executive Summary**
This document outlines the provisions under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, highlighting regulations for protected monuments and areas. It details the implementation of Heritage Bye-laws, guidelines for repairs/renovations, and the use of the National Monument Authority Online Application Processing System (NOAPS). The information was provided on February 9, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **AMASR Act Provisions:**
* Sections 20A and 20B prescribe a 100-meter Prohibited Area and a 200-meter Regulated Area around protected monuments and areas.
* Section 20E provides for framing Heritage Bye-laws to prescribe rational, context-specific heritage controls within Prohibited and Regulated Areas.
* The AMASR Act requires prior permission for any repair/renovation of buildings/structures within the Regulated Area.
* **Online Application Processing:**
* The National Monument Authority Online Application Processing System (NOAPS) portal was launched in 2015 for online application processing.
* NOAPS is integrated with 14 States and one Union Territory, covering four Urban Local Bodies under the Single Window System and 1,407 Urban Local Bodies under the Non-Single Window System.
* The portal is integrated with ISRO's BHUWAN Portal and the SMARAC mobile app.
* It is also integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS).
* The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) has recognized it for easing compliance burden and ensuring transparency/time-bound processing.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholders: Owners of buildings/structures located within the Regulated Area of protected monuments and areas**
* **Impact:** Subject to regulations regarding repairs or renovations. Must obtain prior permission for any such work.
* **Action Required:** Familiarize themselves with the provisions of the AMASR Act and Heritage Bye-laws and use the NOAPS portal for obtaining necessary permissions.
**Stakeholders: Residents near protected monuments and areas**
* **Impact:** Regulations designed to balance protection of heritage with development needs and livelihoods.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of heritage controls and guidelines.
**Stakeholders: State and Union Territory governments**
* **Impact:** Required to integrate with NOAPS for online application processing.
* **Action Required:** Integrate with NOAPS to process applications for repair/renovation permits.
**Stakeholders: National Monument Authority**
* **Impact:** Oversee the implementation of the AMASR Act and the NOAPS portal.
* **Action Required:** Manage and maintain the NOAPS portal and ensure compliance with the AMASR Act.
Key Entities Referenced
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act): Principal act establishing regulations for protecting ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains in India. The document references Sections 20A, 20B, and 20E which pertain to prohibited and regulated areas, and heritage bye-laws.
National Monument Authority Online Application Processing System (NOAPS): Portal for online processing of applications related to protected monuments and sites.
Ministry of Culture: Government ministry responsible for the administration of AMASR Act and protection of cultural heritage.
Ministry of Culture
PROVISIONS UNDER THE AMASR ACT
Posted On: 09 FEB 2026 3:51PM by PIB Delhi
As per Sections 20A and 20B of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,
1958(AMASR Act), a uniform 100-meter Prohibited Area and 200-meter Regulated Area have been
prescribed around all protected monuments and protected areas (sites).
Section 20E of the AMASR Act provide provision for framing Heritage Bye-laws for each protected
monument and protected area (sites) to prescribe rational and context-specific heritage controls within the
Prohibited and Regulated Areas. These controls are based on their significance and sensitivity and are
designed to balance protection of heritage with development needs and the livelihoods of nearby residents.
The AMASR Act provides provision for prior permission for carrying out any repair or renovation of any
building or structure located within the Regulated Area of a protected monument and protected areas
(sites). Such works are governed under the existing statutory framework.
The National Monument Authority Online Application Processing System (NOAPS) portal was launched
in 2015 for online processing of applications. It has been integrated with 14 States and one Union
Territory, covering four Urban Local Bodies under the Single Window System and 1,407 Urban Local
Bodies under the Non-Single Window System.
The portal is integrated with ISRO’s BHUWAN Portal and the SMARAC mobile app to facilitate seamless
online submission of applications. It is also integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS)
and has been recognized by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) for easing the
compliance burden, thereby ensuring greater transparency and time-bound processing of applications.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in
a written reply in Lok Sabha today
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M Annadurai
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