Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 centrally protected monuments due to their assessed lack of national importance.
- This is the first large-scale delisting exercise in decades, reducing ASI’s purview from 3,693 to 3,675 monuments.
- These monuments, including landmarks like the medieval highway milestone Kos Minar No.13 in Haryana, Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, and Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi, are considered ‘untraceable’ as their precise locations or current conditions are unknown.
- The decision follows the criteria outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
Delisting means these monuments will no longer receive conservation, protection, or maintenance from ASI, allowing construction and urbanization in the area.
