ASI survey cannot find 24 monuments

According to a performance audit report of CAG, 92 monuments or sites were reported as missing or untraceable

A survey by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found that 24 monuments are untraceable, while 12 monuments have submerged under reservoirs the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Replying to a question, Minister for Culture Chandresh Kumari Katoch said 14 other monuments or sites were affected due to rapid urbanisation.

According to a performance audit report of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), 92 monuments or sites were reported as missing or untraceable, she said.

A detailed inspection of all these monuments or sites reported as missing by CAG was carried out by the respective field offices of ASI, the minister said. Among them, 42 are physically existing, it was found.

"Regarding the monumentsôsites, which are affected due to urbanisation or commercialisation or habitation, these are examined on case to case basis and appropriate measures are taken after examining the actual situation for their revival and protection," Katoch said.

The ASI is making its best efforts to maintain the authenticity of the monuments.

Or sites, which, physically exist by way of proper conservation and preservation, she added.