In March 2023, the Indian government announced plans to review the legal issues affecting construction-related activities around protected monuments and sites. This move is aimed at allowing infrastructure-related work while preserving the rich heritage of the country. In this article, we will discuss the current restrictions around heritage monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act and the amendments announced.
About the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act:
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act is an important piece of legislation in India that aims to preserve and protect the country’s rich heritage and cultural assets. The act was passed in 1958 and has since undergone several amendments to keep pace with changing times. It defines an “ancient monument” as any structure or building, cave, sculpture, inscription, or monolith that is of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest.
The act aims to protect such monuments and ensure their preservation for future generations. It applies to all monuments that are over 100 years old, whether they are in public or private ownership.
Overview of the AMASR Act:
The AMASR Act prohibits any construction activity or alteration to the protected area around ancient monuments without the approval of the National Monuments Authority (NMA). This protected area is defined as a 100-metre radius around the monument, and a regulated area extends up to 200 metres beyond that. The NMA is the regulatory authority responsible for implementing the AMASR Act. It is a statutory body that oversees the protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.
It is empowered to grant permission for any construction or developmental activity within the protected and regulated areas.
Current restrictions on construction activity near protected monuments:
The AMASR Act prohibits construction within a 100-metre radius of protected monuments and has strict regulations for construction permits in an additional 200-metre radius beyond that. All 3,696 protected monuments in the country fall under this prohibition and require specific approval from the National Monuments Authority for any construction or related activity in these areas.
Expected Amendments to the AMASR Act:
In the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, it is expected that a new AMASR Amendment Bill will be introduced. According to officials, the current Act restricts many areas that could be utilized for developmental and infrastructure-related work. The proposed amendments aim to provide some relief in these restricted zones, particularly for smaller monuments like statues, cemeteries, and cannons, where the protected area may not need to be as large.
The proposed amendments to the AMASR Act aim to provide some flexibility in the protected zones, particularly for smaller monuments that don’t require a large restricted area for their preservation.
Future of restrictions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
However, for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (India has 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), these restrictions may stay as construction in regulated and prohibited zones may impact these heritage structures. The Indian government aims to comply with UNESCO’s concept of protecting all world heritage sites.
Why In News
The Indian government has taken a significant step towards balancing infrastructure development and heritage conservation by announcing plans to review the legal issues affecting construction-related activities around protected monuments and sites. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development while safeguarding India’s rich cultural heritage.
MCQs about AMASR Act in India
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What is the definition of an “ancient monument” under the AMASR Act?
A. Any structure or building, cave, sculpture, inscription, or monolith that is of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest.
B. A structure that is at least 50 years old.
C. A structure that is at least 200 years old.
D. A structure that is at least 500 years old.
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What is the role of the National Monuments Authority?
A. To regulate construction activity near protected monuments.
B. To oversee the protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.
C. To grant permission for any construction or developmental activity within the protected and regulated areas.
D. All of the above.
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Will the proposed amendments to the AMASR Act apply to all monuments?
A. Yes, they will apply to all monuments.
B. No, they will only apply to smaller monuments.
C. No, they will only apply to larger monuments.
D. None of the above.
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What is the purpose of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act in India?
A. To preserve and protect the country’s heritage and cultural assets
B. To promote infrastructure development in the country
C. To restrict construction activity in urban areas
D. To regulate tourism in heritage sites
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