Climate change and extreme weather patterns are putting India’s heritage sites at significant risk.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been adopting various climate-resilient measures along with legal and security initiatives for preservation of cultural heritage sites.
How ASI is protecting Cultural Sites from Environmental Damage
- Use of Scientific methods: E.g. Chemical,Biocidal and Hydrophobic treatment .
- Setting up of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) at sites in collaboration with ISRO
- Air Pollution Monitoring Laboratories: E.g. at sites such as Taj Mahal (Agra)
- Development of Disaster Management Guidelines: in collaboration with NDMA and ASI covering risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and recovery plans.
Legal and security measures:
- Legal Protection: Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to protect sites from encroachments and misuse.
- Penalty for Misuse: Section 30 of the act enforces penalties for actions that damage or misuse.
- Encroachment Control: Superintending Archaeologists have the authority to issue eviction notices under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, to remove encroachments.
- Deployment of Personnels: E.g. CISF at various sites
- Adoption of National Conservation Policy, 2014: for maintaining and conserving monuments.
Archaeological Survey of India
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