Crumbling of Awadh’s heritage amidst monument encroachments

Why in news

A CAG report highlighted the deterioration of heritage in Uttar Pradesh, revealing that 96 centrally protected monuments are encroached upon due to inadequate enforcement by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Background

The CAG report identified that 31 centrally protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh are untraceable and only 31 have proper ownership documentation. Out of the surveyed sites, 96 monuments were found to be encroached upon.

Facts for Prelims

• Fact31 centrally protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh were found to be untraceable by the CAG.
• Fact96 monuments in the region were identified as being encroached upon.

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the institutional and legislative gaps in the preservation of India's cultural heritage amidst rapid urbanization and encroachment.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Enforcement gap: Inadequate monitoring and documentation by ASI leading to loss of historical integrity
• Legislative vacuum: Absence of comprehensive state-level heritage laws to complement central protections
• Urban-Heritage conflict: Pressure of urban expansion on protected sites leading to irreversible cultural erosion

Keywords: Heritage Conservation · Institutional Accountability · Cultural Preservation · Encroachment · Legislative Framework

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