Article 1: Challenges in Heritage Conservation in India
Why in News: The Archaeological Survey of India was criticised by the Delhi High Court for delays in surveying encroachments around Tughlakabad Fort.
Key Details:
- The court had directed ASI to conduct a survey of encroachments, but the work has been delayed for nearly six months.
- The survey will identify illegal occupations, jhuggi clusters, residential and commercial structures.
- The report is to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for further action.
- The court expressed concern over administrative inefficiency and lack of accountability.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – Mandate & Role
- Nodal Agency for Heritage Conservation: ASI functions under the Ministry of Culture and is responsible for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of centrally protected monuments across India.
- Legal Authority under AMASR Act, 1958: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 empowers ASI to regulate construction and prevent encroachments within protected and prohibited areas.
- Scale of Responsibility: ASI protects over 3,600 monuments, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, requiring extensive administrative and technical capacity.
- Functions Beyond Conservation: It undertakes archaeological excavations, epigraphy, museum management, and heritage awareness, making it a multidisciplinary institution.
Tughlakabad Fort – Historical & Cultural Significance
- Medieval Architectural Heritage: Built in the 14th century by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the fort represents Tughlaq architecture characterised by massive stone structures and defensive planning.
- Strategic and Urban Importance: It was conceived as a fortified city, reflecting early urban planning and military strategy during the Delhi Sultanate.
- Protected Monument Status: The site is a centrally protected monument under ASI, making it legally safeguarded from encroachments and illegal constructions.
- Tourism and Educational Value: The fort is an important historical and tourist site in Delhi, contributing to cultural awareness and heritage education.
Issue of Encroachments on Heritage Sites
- Urbanisation Pressure: Rapid urban expansion in cities like Delhi has led to informal settlements and commercial encroachments around protected monuments.
- Socio-economic Dimensions: Encroachments often involve economically weaker sections, making eviction politically and socially sensitive.
- Impact on Heritage Integrity: Illegal constructions damage structural stability, aesthetic value, and archaeological context of monuments.
- Examples Across India: Encroachment issues are also seen at sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar surroundings, and Purana Qila, indicating a systemic challenge.
Governance & Administrative Challenges
- Delay in Implementation: The six-month delay in issuing a survey work order highlights bureaucratic inefficiency and procedural delays.
- Coordination Issues: Effective action requires coordination between ASI, state authorities, municipal bodies, and police, which often remains weak.
- Capacity Constraints: ASI faces shortage of manpower, technical expertise, and financial resources, affecting timely execution of projects.
- Judicial Intervention: Frequent court interventions indicate gaps in executive functioning and underline the role of judiciary in governance oversight.
Legal & Policy Framework for Heritage Protection
- AMASR (Amendment) Act, 2010: Introduced prohibited (100m) and regulated (200m) zones around monuments to control construction activities.
- National Monuments Authority (NMA): Regulates construction in protected areas and grants permissions, ensuring balanced development and conservation.
- UNESCO & Global Commitments: India follows international conventions on heritage preservation, emphasising sustainable management of cultural assets.
- Smart Cities & Urban Planning: Integration of heritage conservation into urban planning frameworks remains inadequate and needs strengthening.
Broader Implications
- Threat to Cultural Identity: Neglect of monuments undermines India’s civilisational heritage and historical continuity.
- Tourism and Economic Loss: Poor conservation affects tourism potential, leading to loss of revenue and employment opportunities.
- Rule of Law Concerns: Failure to act against encroachments weakens legal enforcement and governance credibility.
- Need for Public Participation: Conservation cannot succeed without community involvement and awareness.
Way Forward
- Time-bound Surveys and Action Plans: Ensure strict deadlines and accountability mechanisms for ASI and concerned agencies.
- Use of Technology: Employ GIS mapping, drones, and digital records for accurate and efficient surveys.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities through awareness campaigns and rehabilitation measures.
- Institutional Strengthening: Increase funding, manpower, and inter-agency coordination for effective heritage governance.
- Integrated Urban Planning: Align conservation efforts with urban development policies to ensure sustainable protection.
Conclusion
The Tughlakabad case highlights the urgent need to balance heritage conservation with urban realities, ensuring that India’s cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.
EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE
Prelims MCQ
Q. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 is related to:
(a) Wildlife conservation
(b) Heritage protection
(c) Forest management
(d) Urban governance
Answer: (b)
Descriptive Question
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the Archaeological Survey of India in protecting heritage sites in India. Suggest measures for effective conservation. (250 Words, 15 Marks)