ASI set to delist two Delhi monuments

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to delist two historical monuments in Delhi as they have ceased to be of national importance. 

The Ministry of Culture announced the decision to delist Bara Khamba Cemetery in central Delhi and Inchla Wali Gumti at Mubarakpur Kotla on March 8 this year. 

“Whereas, the Central Government is of the opinion that the ancient and historical monuments specified in the schedule to this notification have ceased to be of national importance,” the notification reads, a copy of which is with Patriot. 

“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 35 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958), the Central Government hereby gives notice of its intention to declare that the monuments specified in the schedule to this notification have ceased to be of national importance for the purposes of said Act.” 

An ASI official from the Delhi circle office informed Patriot that these two monuments have become untraceable. 

“We have had no information about these monuments since the beginning. They may have been lost due to rapid urbanisation or encroached upon by people,” the official said. 

Additionally, there are no historical records of these monuments in their files. 

The ASI has decided to delist a total of 18 monuments across India, including one in Arunachal Pradesh, two in Haryana, one in Madhya Pradesh, two in Rajasthan, one in Uttarakhand, nine in Uttar Pradesh, and two in Delhi. 

Another ASI official from the headquarters office confirmed that similar problems have affected other monuments in India. 

“Some may have been covered by new constructions like shops or houses,” the official added.

Currently, there are 3,693 monuments of national importance in India. Their protection and upkeep is the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture. 

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In January last year, the Ministry of Culture told Parliament that at least 50 monuments in India out of 3,693 protected ones have been found to be missing. The Ministry said some of the monuments have suffered due to constant urbanisation, while some have become submerged under the waters of dams and reservoirs. 

Some others, meanwhile, have been difficult to trace due to their remoteness or their location being inside deep forest areas.

Currently, construction up to 100 metres around protected monuments is prohibited, while an area up to 200 metres beyond the prohibited area is regulated. 

The ASI also has the power to delist monuments it deems to have ceased to be of national importance under Section 35 of the Act.

Once a monument is delisted, the ASI becomes no longer responsible for its protection.