Draft to protect heritage ready

As a first step in implementation of the amended Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 2010, the government has come up with draft rules for the proposed National Monument Authority (NMA).

As a first step in implementation of the amended Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 2010, the government has come up with draft rules for the proposed National Monument Authority (NMA).

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“After the President’s accord for amendment on March 30, we have come up with draft rules for the NMA and sent it to the Law Ministry,” said a senior Culture Ministry official.

The proposed NMA will work towards categorisation and classification of monuments protected by the ASI. It would also be the ultimate authority to grant permissions related to by-laws for construction in Centrally-protected monuments.

A daylong discussion between the Centre and state was organised here on Friday.

The deliberation included sensitisating and instructing local bodies in urban and rural areas, working out modalities for a survey to draw new prohibited and regulated areas, seeking help of heritage conservation bodies, and suggesting who can be made the 'competent authority' in states.

“For a large state or one with more monuments, there may be more than one competent authority,” ASI Joint Director General B.R. Mani said.

Secretary Culture Jawahar Sircar said, “The Central government wants to take states into confidence ... After all, it is the local bodies, which permit/sanction plans for construction anywhere."