9 nods granted for new constructions around Humayun's Tomb: Mahesh Sharma

NEW DELHI: Nine permissions were granted for new constructions in the regulated area of Humayun's Tomb to applicants who are owners of land plots and not real estate operators, the government today said.

In his reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said that there is no power vested with the Archaeological Survey of India to give permission for new constructions around centrally-protected monuments including the Humayun's Tomb.

The power is vested with the Competent Authority on recommendation of the National Monuments Authority, he added.

"The Competent Authority notified for NCT of Delhi has granted nine numbers of permissions for new building in regulated area of Humayun's Tomb. However, permissions have accorded to applicants, who are owners of the plots of land and not to real estate operators," Sharma said.

As per details furnished by the Union minister, the permissions were granted between the years 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Responding to another question, the minister said, there is no provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (as amended) to charge fee for grant of permission to regularise any illegal construction.

"And in no case has Archaeological Survey of India agreed to regularise illegal constructions around the Humayun's Tomb on payment of a token fee", he added.