Agra, April 21: Illegal constructions near heritage monuments dating back to Mughal era have posed a serious threat to their existence, according to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sources.
There are 197 protected monuments in the city, of which world famous mausoleum Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Sikandra have been identified as world heritage sites by the UNESCO. Increasing illegal constructions around these monuments and high pollution levels were adversely affecting the beauty of these historical monuments.
The ASI had since last November stopped giving No Objection Certificates to builders. However, the illegal constructions continued.
ASI sources said illegal encroachments were being witnessed mostly in Sikandra and Etmadulla areas and near Akbar Tomb, Taj Mahal, Deewanji, Begum Mariyam Tomb, Chausath Khamba and Taj Firoz Khan.
The sources alleged that the police department show little interest in lodging complaints or initiating actions against encroachers.
They said 15 complaints had been registered through the district magistrates in the past four months.
The ASI has brought amendments in its Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 to make it more stringent. Now, the people involved in unauthorised construction will be slapped with two years imprisonment and Rs one lakh penalty.
Moreover, as per the amendments, no construction would be permitted within 100 meters of the monument and any other repair work would take place only after its permission.
A meeting has, meanwhile, been convened in New Delhi on April 23 to discuss the ongoing illegal constructions. The meeting is significant in view of the Commonwealth Games scheduled later this year.
—Agencies