18th August, 2003
Ministry of Tourism & Culture  


STATES ASKED TO REMOVE ENCROACHMENT FROM ARCHAELOGICAL SITES


LOK SABHA

It has come to the notice of the Government that there are encroachments near some important monuments and tourist destinations. These encroachments have come up on account of violation of civil laws. The Ministry of tourism and Culture in the past two years have been effectuating good governance and introducing elements of creativity and constructive working. A few examples of this phenomenon are Ajanta and Ellora, Red Fort, Kurukshetra and Humayun Tomb complex etc. This was stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Jagmohan in reply to a question by S/Shri Ashok N. Mohol and Ramsheth Thakur in Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said that the State Governments/UT Administrations have been strongly advised to remove encroachments on priority basis, ensure compliance of civic laws and laws pertaining to archaeological sites. The encroachments around Ajanta & Ellora, Red Fort, Kurukshetra and Humayun Tomb complex have been removed with the help and cooperation of the State Governments/UT Administrations, Shri Jagmohan informed.