History research hit by staff shortage
The stringent norms and restrictions imposed by the to The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 has been contested by stakeholders.
The authorities have to strike a balance between conservation efforts and public welfare. In an interview with Deccan Herald, Dr S V P Halakatti, Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India, Dharwad zone speaks about the challenges and hurdles faced in enforcing the new regime.
What is the difference between the earlier law and the present one?
The law formulated in 1958 lacked specific explanations and guidelines on conservation of monuments. The legislation amended in 2010 is exhaustive.
It lays down the mandatory distance between a private property and a protected monument, the procedures to allow construction activity in the vicinity, the quantum of punishment for encroachment of monuments and the role and responsibility of the officials in charge. The Act provides for a separate bylaw for each monument. It also states that prior permission from competent authority should be obtained before taking up any construction in the prohibited area. Any breach will be considered as a criminal offence.
What is the system in place in the State to monitor the enforcement of new law?
The Archaeological Survey of India has set up two authorities to sanction or refuse permission for construction near the protected monuments in the State.
The Bangalore Circle is headed by the secretary to Kannada and Culture Department and the Dharwad circle is headed by regional commissioner, Belgaum.
We only recommend the proposals and the final decision rests with the two authorities. A national-level body of the ASI is the next authority.
What problems are you facing in enforcement of the new Act?
The primary duty of research on the monuments has suffered due to staff crunch. Dharwad zone has as many as 300 monuments and we require 900 personnel to work in three shifts. As of now, we have only 140 people and have requested to fill up another 652 vacancies. There is no provision to appoint staff on contract basis. Now we have the additional workload under the new law.
What is the role of the State government in protecting monuments?
We are depending on the State government for protection of monuments. We have to lodge complaint at the local police station in case of encroachment/s.
But, sometimes police hesitate to register a complaint and we have to approach a local court. But we don’t have our advocates at such places and we are not allowed to hire private advocates.
A dedicated protection force (on the lines of Railway Protection Force, Central Industrial Security Force) is essential to safeguard monuments. The State government too should be given some part of our responsibilities.
What are the steps taken to create awareness on the new legislation?
Our advocates have interacted with the people in Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gadag, Lakkundi, Karwar, Bhatkal and Haveri.
