Encroachment in 249 protected monuments: Govt

As many as 249 protected monuments in the country, including nine in the capital, have been encroached upon, government said today.
Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch informed the Lok Sabha that the government is taking necessary actions against encroachments in the monuments.
She said Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued notices to the encroachers and a police complaint has been filed by the local field office of ASI.
If the encroachers do not vacate the protected sites, a demolition order will be issued to the local authorities concerned for their removal, the minister said.
"Constant follow up and coordination is required to enlist the support of local bodies to Archaeological Survey of India to remove encroachments," she said.

The encroached monuments include the Ellora caves in Maharashtra, Bhimbhetka caves in Madhya Pradesh and Megalithic sites at Karnataka.