The Ministry of Jal Shakti, responsible for the conservation and management of water resources in India, recently formed a Committee to identify 75 Water Heritage Structures (WHS) across the country in honor of India’s 75 years of Independence. However, there is no provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 to declare a site as a “Water Heritage Site” under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Water Heritage Sites: What are They?

Water heritage sites refer to spaces that are closely linked to traditions, rituals, and narratives, which involve water environments that are continually changing due to the demands of later generations. These sites serve as important reminders of the country’s history, culture, and traditional knowledge, making them valuable cultural resources.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

The AMASR Act of 1958 provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance, as well as the regulation of archaeological excavations and the protection of sculptures, carvings, and other similar objects. The Archaeological Survey of India operates under the provisions of this act.

The AMASR Act of 1958 prohibits the construction of buildings within 100 meters of protected monuments. The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters. The AMASR (Amendment) Bill passed by the Lok Sabha in 2017 allows the government to undertake infrastructure projects within prohibited areas around protected monuments, subject to certain conditions.

Jal-Itihas Portal and Funding for Water Heritage Sites

In connection with the identification of 75 Water Heritage Structures, the Jal-Itihas portal was launched to showcase these sites. However, at present, there is no central fund allocated for the maintenance of these sites. The government may need to allocate funds to preserve these valuable cultural resources in the future.

MCQs about India’s Water Heritage Sites
  1. Which act provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance in India?
    A. The Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
    B. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
    C. The Heritage Sites and Remains Act, 1958
    D. The Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act, 1958
    Correct Answer: B. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
    Explanation: The act provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance, as well as the regulation of archaeological excavations and the protection of sculptures, carvings, and other similar objects.
  2. What is the prohibited area around protected monuments under the AMASR Act of 1958?
    A. 50 meters
    B. 75 meters
    C. 100 meters
    D. 125 meters
    Correct Answer: C. 100 meters.
    Explanation: The AMASR Act of 1958 prohibits the construction of buildings within 100 meters of protected monuments. The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.
  3. Why is funding necessary for the maintenance of India’s Water Heritage Sites?
    A. To preserve the country’s cultural heritage
    B. To support the conservation and management of water resources
    C. To ensure the protection and management of valuable cultural resources
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above.
    Explanation: Funding is necessary for the maintenance of India’s Water Heritage Sites to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, support the conservation and management of water resources, and ensure the protection and management of valuable cultural resources.

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