New Law for Heritage Sites

Heritage sites are back in vogue yet again. The pro-heritage conservation activists can now take a breather, at least in Delhi. The country’s capital city has more than 176 monuments that are meant to be ‘protected’ as per the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

New Law for Preservation of Heritage Sites

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2010 has been passed by the Indian Parliament with the purpose of preserving these heritage sites. The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, approved the new bill, which is an amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Under the new law, any construction – whether it is private or government – is punishable if it is done without the clearance of the concerned officials in the archaeological and heritage department. Simply put, this means that if you reside within 100 metres of any centrally protected heritage structure without permission, the new law can put you either in jail for two years and/or Rs 1 Lakh fine or both. Only basic repairs such as water and sanitation can be carried forth.

Heritage Sites New Law Affect Residential Areas in Delhi

Residents in Delhi need to be aware of these regulations pertaining to heritage sites, especially those who live in proximity to such protected areas. Crowded residential locations such as Saket, Feroze Shah Kotla, Hauz Khas, Nizamuddin, Sarvapriya Vihar, JJ colony, portions of Old Delhi and Mehrauli are most likely to be affected by this new bill. Beyond 100 meters of these heritage sites, there is a regulated zone of 200 metres too, where construction is possible but only within the ambit of the strict heritage bylaws.