New Delhi, India: The Delhi State Government in India selected Survey of India (SOI) for field survey of all monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the state. After the survey all existing structures within 500 metre radius of every ASI monument will be mapped.
Delhi has 174 protected monuments of national importance and in the first phase, the survey – to be considered as the base index for future – will cover 100. The SOI has been roped in to do the mapping and prepare the documentation. Every construction, house, building, street size, lamp post, etc, will be recorded and mapped exactly on their current position and its exact distance from the protected monument will be noted down. The structures will then be categorised as within a prohibited zone (100m), regulated zone (at least up to 200m) or outside the restricted zone.
According to the report, Delhiites living in colonies like Hauz Khas, South Extension, Green Park, Nizamuddin etc are likely to be affected most with a centrally protected monument located in the mid of residential areas here.
The field survey is part of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment Validation) Act 2010 that seeks to protect historical monuments in the country. The survey is expected to take several months.
The mapping will also help the National Monument Authority (NMA) to decide on the extension of the protected area of each monument. While the 2010 Act specifies that at least 100m of all ASI monuments have to be prohibited, the regulated zone area, extending up to at least 200m, has no outer limit.
Source: Times of India
