There are instances of encroachments in some of the centrally protected monuments and a detailed list (State-wise) is at Annexure-I.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Smt. Katoch said, in order to contain the encroachments and removing them, the Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the Circles have been vested with the powers of an Estate Officer to issue eviction notices/orders to the encroachers under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
They are also authorised to issue show cause notices under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains 1958 (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 and Rules 1959 followed by a direction to the District Collector/Magistrate by Central Government to remove such encroachment under section 19
(2) of the Act and Section 38 (2) of the Rule.
The details of demolition orders issued is at Annexure-II. Assistance in containing and removing encroachments is also sought from the respective State Government/police force and where there are no fruitful results, actions are initiated against the encroachers by filing cases in the court of law.
In addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel, State police guards and CISF have also been provided for the safety and security of selected monuments.
