New Delhi, March 10: There are many protected monuments and areas whose lands are registered in the name of Government; besides some are lying in the name of endowment and private parties.
As per Section 3 and Section 4 of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, (AMASR Act,1958), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declares monuments and archaeological sites as of national importance without change in their ownership. There are 3698 monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance in the country.
ASI acquires the lands for the better maintenance of the monuments and sites wherever it is feasible. Further, there are provisions for the preservation of protected monuments by agreement under Section 6 of AMASR Act, 1958.
ASI takes necessary steps like deployment of watch & ward staff, providing fencing and organizing awareness campaign etc. to safeguard the protected monuments and areas. There are 20 numbers of protected monuments and areas in Bishnupur which are being maintained by ASI.
When it come to Meghalaya there are 8 protected monuments in the state, The temples of Bishnupur have already been included in the Tentative List of UNESCO. This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
