Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture

In Context

• India is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical and cultural sites. However, these monuments are under serious threat due to climate change and human activities.

Role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 to protect and maintain historical monuments and sites. 
• ASI currently oversees 3,698 protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958).
• ASI’s work includes:
  • Conservation and Restoration: Regular maintenance of temples, forts, tombs, churches, palaces, and prehistoric sites.
  • Preventive Measures: Addressing threats from climate, pollution, encroachments, and structural instability.
  • Monitoring and Research: Studying the impact of environmental changes on monuments.
  • Legal Enforcement: Ensuring monuments are protected from illegal activities and misuse.

Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Heritage

• Rising Sea Levels: Coastal heritage sites like the Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) are at risk from saltwater intrusion and erosion.
• Extreme Heat and Droughts: Heatwaves and changing weather patterns affect the stability of ancient structures, especially those made from sandstone and limestone.
• Heavy Rains and Strong Winds: Increased rainfall and cyclones lead to water damage and erosion in forts, palaces, and cave temples.
• Air Pollution: Pollution has severely affected monuments like the Taj Mahal, turning its marble yellow due to high sulfur dioxide levels in the air.

Government Measures to Protect Heritage Sites

To counter these challenges, the government and ASI have adopted several measures:

• Increased Funding for Conservation: The budget for ASI’s preservation work has increased by 70% in recent years.
  • 2020-21 Allocation: ₹260.90 crores
  • 2023-24 Allocation: ₹443.53 crores
• Climate-Resilient Conservation Methods: ASI has adopted scientific preservation techniques to protect monuments.
• Automated Weather Stations (AWS): Installed in collaboration with ISRO to monitor temperature, wind, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure at heritage sites.
• Air Pollution Monitoring Labs: Set up near monuments like Taj Mahal (Agra) and Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad) to track pollution levels.
• Collaboration with Other Agencies: ASI works closely with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and UNESCO to develop strategies for disaster management of cultural sites.
• Strengthening Legal Protection: Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958), monuments are protected from encroachment and misuse.
  • Section 30 of the 1958 Act imposes heavy fines and legal action against those who damage or deface protected sites.

Way Forward

• Community Involvement: Local communities should be engaged in conservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Public Awareness: Educational programs and campaigns can help people understand the importance of protecting monuments.
• Advanced Technology: Using AI, 3D mapping, and drone surveillance can help in the documentation and restoration of historical sites.
• Stronger Law Enforcement: Stricter laws and harsher penalties for encroachments and defacement must be enforced.

Source: PIB