Historical monuments and heritage sites represent the rich cultural past and must be protected. India is replete with historical monuments and forts; however illegal constructions at the nearby areas are posing a threat to the longevity and protection of these monuments. Highlighting the issue of illegal construction near the heritage sites, which is endangering their grandeur, Assistant Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mr. Intizar Naeem demanded from Ms. Chandresh Kumari, Minister of Culture, the removal of all such illegal constructions in the vicinity of monuments. Illegal constructions are not just present around the monuments but many of them are well within the monuments themselves.
While presenting a memorandum to Ms Kumari, Mr. Naeem said the government spends 385.61 crores annually on the department responsible for the maintenance of the historical monuments yet the condition of most of the monuments is bad. It is basically the indifferent attitude of the department because of which the monuments are losing their grandeur and heritage. The indifferent attitude could be comprehended by just looking at the Agra circle of the department. According to the data the government spends Rs. 7,53,93,476 on the Agra circle alone, however even after this massive spending there are a total of 533 illegal constructions in the vicinity of the heritage monuments.
Adding on to it is that from the past 5 years the department has failed to remove a single illegal construction. It will come as a shock for many but the renowned Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, houses 46 illegal constructions in its surroundings. The facts also left Ms. Kumari perplexed and she herself expressed shock and surprise over the matter.
Though the memorandum incorporated the problems that are before the historical monuments along with the solutions yet Mr. Naeem on the request of the minister gave her certain other options so that the issue gets fixed as soon as possible. Besides, he also provided detailed information and facts regarding the same.
Though Ms. Kumari joined the office a few days ago yet she paid heed to the demands of the Jamaat leader and gave assurance of strong and effective action as soon as possible.
The most shocking thing is that besides spending whopping amounts of money nothing concrete is coming. The monuments must be preserved as they were relevant in the past and they are relevant today as well because it is the knowledge of the past that shapes the present and future.