Govt mulling to amend AMASR act for ‘public interest’ projects

Culture Ministry is considering to bring an amendment to a law that prohibits new construction in the close vicinity of the protected monuments to pave way for “public interest” infrastructure development in the area.

Currently, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR), 2010, prohibits any new construction within 100 metres radius of a protected monument. It also bars from reconstruction, addition or alterations to the existing structures that fall within 100 metres radius of the protected monuments.

“There have been lots of requests ... Consultation is going on for allowing certain type of constructions which are of public interest in the areas around some of the protected monuments. We have to see that such activities do not bear negative impact on the monuments,” a source said. 

Provided the proposal gets a nod, certain infrastructure projects such as construction of roads or some public works in the areas within 100 meters around the protected monuments may be allowed, the source added.