ANCIENT MONUMENTS ACT

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The Union Government is in the process to introduce amendments to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act 1958.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act 1958

The Act was introduced for safeguarding the cultural heritage of the country.
The main objective of the act is to protect ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
The act also regulates the archaeological excavations and the protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the provisions of this act.
The Act was amended in 2010 to strengthen its penalty provisions, to prevent Encroachments and illegal construction close to the monuments.
- No Construction was permitted in an area around 100 meters of national monuments. 200 m beyond that is declared as a “regulated area”.
- The amendment also introduced heritage bye-laws for each monument to be prepared by an expert body.
The Act was again amended in 2017;
- The Union Government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters of National Monuments.
- No construction in prohibited areas, except under certain conditions.
Earlier no construction was permitted in ‘prohibited areas’ even if it is for public purposes.
- The 2017 amends this provision to permit construction works in ‘prohibited areas’ for public purposes.
- If there is any question related to a construction project that qualifies as ‘public works, it will be referred to the National Monuments Authority. It will recommend to the Union government.
- The decision of the Union government will be final.