The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
| The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 | |
|---|---|
| Parliament of India | |
| Enacted by | Parliament of India |
| Status: In force | |
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (abbreviated as: AMASR Act) is an act of the Parliament of India that provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for the protection of sculptures, carvings and other similar objects. It was passed in 1958.[1] The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Monuments Authority (NMA) functions under the provisions of this act.[2]
Provisions
The act's rules stipulate that the area within 100 metres of a monument is a prohibited area. In addition, the area within 200 meters of the monument is a regulated area. Any repair or modifications of buildings in this area requires prior permission.[3]
In 2023 the culture minister of India suggested that amendments to the act could soon be expected.[4]
National Monuments Authority
The National Monuments Authority (NMA) is a statutory body under Government of India's Ministry of Culture, established in 2011 to protect centrally protected monuments. It regulates construction, repairs, and development in prohibited and regulated areas around these sites to prevent encroaching urbanization, ensuring the preservation of India's heritage.[5]
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Regulatory Control-
Manages development within 100 meters (prohibited) and 300 meters (regulated) of centrally protected monuments.
- Heritage Management-
Frames monuments-specific heritage bye-laws and categorizes monuments based on historical/architectural value.
- Approvals-
Processes applications for construction/reconstruction near protected sites via a dedicated online portal.
- Legal Basis-
Established under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.
- Authority Structure-
The NMA consists of a chairperson and several members appointed by the Government of India, tasked with making recommendations to the central government regarding monument protection.
See also
- Archaeology of India
- Ministry of Culture (India)
- Archaeological Survey of India
- List of acts of the Parliament of India
- Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
- Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904
- List of acts of the Parliament of India
References
- ^ "The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958" (PDF). Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
- ^ "Monuments". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
- ^ JS Iftekhar (7 November 2012). "Extension of temple illegal - ASI". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ Prakash, Priyali (1 March 2023). "Explained | What is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ Tripathi, Shailaja (28 April 2010). "Monumental!". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 April 2015.