Why these 18 "lost" monuments won't be "protected" by the Center

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has opted to remove 18 protected monuments from its list due to their perceived loss of "national significance," marking the first such action in several decades. This decision comes in response to various factors leading to the disappearance or abandonment of these monuments. The reasons for their disappearance include rapid urbanization, submergence due to reservoirs and dams, encroachment by construction activities, difficulties in locating them in remote or forested areas, and a shortage of manpower for their protection. 

Interestingly, neither the Culture Ministry nor the ASI has provided a clear definition of what constitutes a "missing" or "untraceable" monument, despite such occurrences being reported annually. The government has cited urbanization, submergence, remote locations, and manpower shortages as contributing factors to the monuments becoming untraceable. Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, of 1958, the ASI has the authority to preserve monuments of cultural and historical significance, but it also has the discretion to delist monuments it deems to have lost their national importance. 

Once delisted, the ASI relinquishes responsibility for their protection. The need to update the list of national monuments was highlighted by various bodies, including the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which recommended delisting missing and minor monuments. The purpose of this exercise is to categorize monuments based on their national significance and architectural value. 

The 18 monuments slated for delisting include structures from different states, such as the Copper Temple in Arunachal Pradesh, Kos Minars in Haryana, Bara Khamba Cemetery, and Inchla Wali Gumti in Delhi, with Uttar Pradesh having the most "lost" monuments. This move by the ASI underscores the challenges posed by urbanization, environmental changes, and resource constraints in safeguarding India's diverse cultural heritage, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to monument conservation and management.