Climate change and extreme weather patterns are putting India’s heritage sites at significant risk.

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been adopting various climate-resilient measures along with legal and security initiatives for preservation of cultural heritage sites.

How ASI is protecting Cultural Sites from Environmental Damage

• Use of Scientific methods:  E.g. Chemical,Biocidal and Hydrophobic treatment .
• Setting up of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) at sites in collaboration with ISRO
• Air Pollution Monitoring Laboratories: E.g. at sites such as Taj Mahal (Agra)
• Development of Disaster Management Guidelines: in collaboration with NDMA and ASI covering risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and recovery plans.

Legal and security measures: 

• Legal Protection: Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to protect sites from encroachments and misuse.
  • Penalty for Misuse: Section 30 of the act enforces penalties for actions that damage or misuse.
• Encroachment Control: Superintending Archaeologists have the authority to issue eviction notices under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, to remove encroachments.
• Deployment of Personnels: E.g. CISF  at various sites 
• Adoption of National Conservation Policy, 2014: for maintaining and conserving monuments.