Centre mulling changes in act for protection of monuments

NEW DELHI: Noting that an act for protection of historical monuments is not being executed in the right spirit, the Centre is considering to review the legislation which is often mired in controversies over carrying out constructions within 300 metres of protected areas.

The move aimed at bringing transparency in the system, would be of great relief for several thousands of building owners residing in the vicinity of protected monuments across the country.

According to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, there are some bottlenecks pertaining to some aspects of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Site and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which deals with engaging in repair and constructions within 100 and 300 metres of protected sites.

"Some people are getting in trouble, may be some other problems may also creep into this, which you understand, because once it goes to the wisdom of junior officers to measure the 100 metres and 300 metres, we just want to avoid it. We want to bring transparency to the system, what is right is right, wrong is wrong," Sharma told PTI.

As per the Act, no person can carry out any construction in prohibited areas that is falling within 100 metres of the protected monuments.

In case of constructions or renovation in areas marked as regulated areas, which extends for 200 metres from the limits of prohibited areas, owners should apply to the competent authority for approval in this regard.

This leads to hassles, wherein several residents have to run from pillar to post for getting necessary prerequisite, facing hardship in the process.

The minister also said the issue regarding review of the act would be taken up with the government and implemented in form of amendment or an ordinance.

"...we will propose it to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Prime Minister and the Cabinet. We will appraise that these are bottlenecks because of which we are facing certain problems. May be, they will adopt it by the way of ordinance or act amendments," Sharma said.