100 monuments to be upgraded under ‘Adarsh Smarak’

Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken the task of providing basic amenities hitherto unknown to it such as providing drinking water, toilet blocks, facilities for physically challenged, pathways, cultural notice boards, vehicle parking, cloak rooms, among others to tourists visiting centrally protected temples and monuments.

For now, several archaeological sites have been identified for these basic public facilities, including all World Heritage Sites and ASI’s ticketed monuments, as also at those protected monuments often visited by a large numbers of tourists.

Further, Archaeological Survey of India has identified 100 monuments as “Adarsh Smarak” for upgradation of existing facilities like Wi-Fi, cafeteria, interpretation centre, brail signage, and modern toilets.

Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Monday said the Archaeological Survey of India has deployed regular watch and ward staff or Monument Attendants at centrally protected monuments and sites.

In addition, private security guards, Armed Guards and CISF personnel have also been engaged at select monuments for safety and protection.

The allocation and expenditure incurred on maintenance, conservation, preservation and environmental development of centrally protected monuments including providing tourist amenities during the last three years and current year is given below:

(Amount Rs. in Lakhs)