PROTECTION OF MONUMENTS

The Ministry of Culture reports that 3,688 ancient monuments and archaeological sites are declared of national importance, of which 414 have reported encroachments. Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) does not need to acquire land to protect a monument but takes action against unauthorised activities. ASI has completed survey, geo‑referencing and digitisation of monument boundaries and uploaded the data on the Bhuvan portal, coordinating with state revenue officials to integrate this information with state land records. The figures are state‑wise, with Tamil Nadu (72), Uttar Pradesh (78) and Karnataka (60) recording the highest encroachments.