Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The National Monument Authority, the apex conservation body, is mapping a 14th century Begumpuri mosque here to develop a new conservation model for preservation of monuments, Culture Minister Selja said Friday.

The National Monuments Authority has been set up under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act to stop rampant encroachment and construction around monuments.

“Each monument will have its own bylaws for conservation under the amended Archaeological Act and the monument at Begumpuri will serve as a model for each monument,” the minister said at the sidelines of a press conference.

The mosque at Begumpuri was built as a part of the palace of Mohammed Bin Tughlag. The by-laws for the mosque are being finalised in consultation with non-profit organisation Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

“Conservation of monuments is not possible without the participation of local people. We have divided the archaeological zones into circles for better effective conservation. There will be resentment - but we have to secure our heritage,” the minister said.

“The government has to step in whenever necessary,” the minister said in response to a question about people’s apprehension about new heritage conservation norms in residential areas.

“I am planning to write to all the chief ministers and ministers in the area whenever any project is planned that they should look at monuments in their area and plan around them… and not over them,” she said.

Kumari Selja said “the ministry had provided nearly Rs.50 lakh to monuments for signages”. The ministry said 26 competent authorities under the Act have already been notified across the country.

The minister added that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the new Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) building on Tilak Marg in the capital to mark the 150th anniversary of ASI.