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HERITAGE RESTORATION PROJECTS BY ASI AND INDIAN NATIONAL TRUST FOR ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE (INTACH)

HERITAGE RESTORATION PROJECTS BY ASI AND INDIAN NATIONAL TRUST FOR ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE (INTACH)

There are 3686 Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country. Conservation and maintenance are regular processes and taken up as per the need of monument/sites and availability of resources as per the National Policy for Conservation. The allocation and expenditure for these Monuments/Sites during the last three years are given as under:

(Amount Rs. in Crores)

Sl. No.

Year

Allocation

Expenditure

1.

2022-23

392.71

391.93

2.

2023-24

443.53

443.53

3.

2024-25

313.43

313.04

 

The details of heritage restoration projects undertaken by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) during the last three years are attached as Annexure-I; as per information received from INTACH.

To collaborate with private entities for restoration of heritage structures, there is a provision under the National Culture Fund (NCF).

NCF, a trust under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, serves as a financing mechanism for enabling-donor/sponsor institution to support Protection, Restoration, Conservation and Development of India’s rich tangible and intangible culture and heritage (Monuments/Cultural Traditions) directly as partners with the Government.

ASI undertakes heritage conservation using traditional methodology keeping in mind the authenticity and integrity of the heritage structure to enhance visitor experience.  ASI also engages local artisans in heritage conservation thus giving employment opportunity to the locals.

 

Annexure-I

 

 

List of Heritage Conservation Projects undertaken in last 03 (three) years by INTACH

 

SI.

No.

Name of Project

Name of client/ Department

Detail of the Project (Salient Feature of the             Project)

1.

HRIDAY-Heritage Development projects in Gaya, Warangal and Varanasi

National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA, MoHUA, GoI)

Preparation of City Heritage Plans, monitoring and supervision of restoration projects

2.

Restoration of “Jatra Kuva” an Ancient Well and Restoration of ancient Lord Shiva Temple, Mora Village, Surat, Gujarat

Reliance Industries Limited and Mora Village Panchayat

The historic well and Nageswar Mahadev Temple of Mora village in Surat has its historic and religious significance mentioned in Tapi Mahapuran.  As a CSR initiative, Reliance Industries Ltd. approached INTACH to restore the two structures. The conservation work included revival of the well structure which was buried in the ground due to landfill and redevelopment of the site.  The Conservation of the temple included structural restoration and site development.

3.

Setting up of Virtual Experiential Museum,Varanasi, at Man Mahal, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture ,Govt. of India

INTACH and NCSM entered into an MoU in 2018 for designing, scripting and curation of the Virtual Experiential Museum at the Man Mahal (Centrally Protected Monument). The Museum was inaugurated and visited by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

4.

Restoration of Vadia Palace (presently Gujarat Forest Rangers College), Rajpipla, Gujarat

Gujarat Forest Rangers College, Rajpipla

Built in 1939, the palatial residence Maharaja Vijaysinh ji of Rajpipla Princely Estate, the Vadia palace was acceded to the Government of India. It now houses the Gujarat Forest Ranger’s College who approached INTACH to prepare the DPR. The work has been carried out in phases wherein the phase I addressed the structural restoration, urgent repairs and waterproofing of the terrace by retaining and repairing the original mosaic design flooring.

5.

Raja Shankar Shah Kunwar Raghunath Shah Museum, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Tribal Affairs Department, Bhopal, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh

The Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah Museum was established in Jabalpur to honour two iconic figures of the 1857 uprising. To commemorate their bravery and sacrifice, the Tribal Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs GoI, established a museum-cum- memorial in the old DFO building, covering one acre of land on High Court Road, Civil Lines, Jabalpur.  The building was first restored by INTACH, who also designed and curated the museum. The museum was inaugurated by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a virtual event on November 15, 2024, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.  The museum is now open to visitors.

 

 

 

6.

Design and Project Management Consultancy Services for Conservation and Restoration of 11earhtquake affected Cultural Heritage Building and Sites

Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India

In December 2019, INTACH was appointed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), GoI for the conservation of 12 earthquake- affected cultural sites in Nepal. The sites are Seto Machindranath Temple and Nepal Bhasa Parishad (Kathmandu), Kumari Chhen and Ghar, Jestha Varna Mahavihara, Gopichandra Mahavihara, Napichandra Mahavihara, Gusthal Mahavihara, Adalat Bhawan, Hiranya Varna Mahavihara (Lalitpur) and Jangam Math (Bhaktapur). INTACH’s work included the establishment of a Design & Project Management Consultancy. INTACH established an Office in Kathmandu at CLPIU [Building], Babar Mahal, featuring a core technical team of Conservation Architects, Architects, and Engineers which was operational until May 2024.

Out of 12 projects, six projects were completed by April 2024 and INTACH concluded its operations in Nepal in May 2024.

 

 

7.

Restoration and Revival of Shree Ganga Mandir at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

M.R. Morarka Foundation, Mumbai

Built in1600 CE at Har ki Pauri, Haridwar, by Raja Man Singh, the temple was originally called Man Singh ki Chhatri. The conservation work included revival of the original dome, which was replaced in the 1990s by a concrete shikhara and complete restoration of the structure as per original.

 

 

8.

Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Barh Ki Chowki, Delhi

Delhi Police Housing Corporation Limited (partly funded by NCF)

Constructed in the 1800s, this is one of the oldest police chowkis in Delhi. The restoration included emergency repairs, restoration of the dilapidated walls, stabilisation of the structural members and site development.

 

 

 

9.

Conservation of General Post Office Mumbai, Mahrasthra-PhaseI,1Aand II

Department of Post, Govt. of India

Constructed in 1913 by Scottish architect John Begg in Indo Saracenic architectural style, salient features include large central dome which is the second largest dome in India, constructed on the model of Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur. Conservation of GPO building (Phase III) is presently being done under the technical supervision of INTACH. Phase I and II of the projects is complete.

 

 

10.

Conservation of Lady Hardinge Medical College and Assoc. Hospitals, New Delhi

Lady Hardinge Medical College

LHMC is the oldest medical college for women, built in 1916 by architect John Begg. The college has signed an MoU with INTACH to undertake conservation of the Heritage building. INTACH has till date completed waterproofing of admin block and physiology block terrace, restoration of façade of admin block, restoration of metal alloy statue of Lady Hardinge and its stone canopy and restoration of fire affected room of Anatomy Block.

 

 

11

Restoration of the High Court Heritage Building, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

High Court Allahabad

The Allahabad High Court built in1914-1916, designed by Frank Lishman, located in the center of city covers an area of 28 acres, within which the heritage building occupies around 10,000 sqm. The proposal includes restoration of heritage building, waterproofing of flat roof, pitched roof and dome, restoration of original false ceilings, upgrading the services and stabilizing the structure. INTACH has been appointed as a consultant on the project.

 

 

12

Restoration of Darbhanga Palace, 7 Man Singh Road, New Delhi

Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India

Constructed in 1928 for the Maharaja of Darbhanga, Bihar the G+1 building is in colonial style with Indo-Gothic and Indo-Persian influences. Prominent features include mural paintings in the interiors of the Darbar Hall, stone jalis, Florentine arches, and concrete saucer-shaped features on the terrace. INTACH has been appointed as consultant on the project.

 

 

13

Restoration/Preservation of New Delhi GPO- Gol Dak Khana (Heritage Building) New Delhi

Department of Post, Govt. of India

It is an iconic landmark building of New Delhi, built with a circular layout in a major roundabout. It was constructed in 1932-34 by architect Robert Tor Russell. The building has undergone several additions and alterations in the past that has changed its original form and layout.  The proposal includes restoring the building to its original footprint, optimizing the usage of internal spaces as per the requirement of the post office and restoring the lost/ damaged architectural features and renewal of all services.

 

 

14

Restoration /Repair/Maintenance of Senate Hall and Clock Tower, Allahabad University, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

University of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Senate hall in Allahabad University, one of India’s oldest universities was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in 1910. The building houses a grand clock tower with a historic clock manufactured by JG Bechtler Son & Company, Allahabad was installed atop the senate hall building in 1912. The aim of restoration is to safeguard and restore this heritage asset for the University and reviving the clock tower including making the clock functional.

 

 

15

Conservation and Restoration of the heritage buildings at Madhav Vilas Palace, DRTC, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh

Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India

The Madhav Vilas Palace was built in early 20th century by the royal family of Scindia from Gwalior. Built in a campus of area 63 acres, the palace was used as a royal residence and retreat. It now functions as the Direct Recruitment and Training Centre of the Intelligence Bureau. The campus has 9 heritage buildings, of which the restoration of New Kothi is included in Phase I for which the DPR is prepared.

 

 

16

Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, Kelsih, Mizoram

Planning, Programme and Implementation Dept.

Govt. of Mizoram

INTACH has signed an MoU with the Govt. of Mizoram to design, curate and establish a Tribal Freedom Fighter’s Museum. The work is presently ongoing.

 

 

17

Rejuvenation of  Satpula Lake, Delhi

Rotary Club

The revival of the historically dry lake is being undertaken by treating waste water from the nearby drain through Nature-Based Solutions and allowing the treated water to flow into the lake, resulting in a significant reduction in BOD from 230 mg/Lto15 mg/L.

 

 

18

Rejuvenation of Indian Botanical Garden Howrah

HSBC & MoEFF &CC

The Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah—India’s oldest botanic garden—was severely impacted by Cyclone Amphan. The Garden comprises 24 interconnected lakes that support several exotic plant species. INTACH restored the choked interconnecting channels and revived several lakes that were damaged during the cyclone, there by re-establishing hydrological connectivity across the system. A new water supply network was developed to ensure sustained water availability in all lakes. In addition, numerous exotic plant species were planted in accordance with the guidance of the IBG authorities. Mangrove patches were also created along the Hooghly River to protect the riverbank from erosion.

 

 

19

Restoration of Davanal Kund Goverdhan, Mathura

Datri Foundation

Davanal Kund is a historical water body associated with Lord Krishna that had fallen into a depleted condition with contaminated water quality. INTACH restored the kund by repairing damaged civil structures   and reinstating its original form. The water was also treated using bioremediation methods to improve its quality.

 

 

20

Development of Qudsia Ghat (Vasudev Ghat) Flood Plains of River Yamuna, Delhi

Delhi Development Authority

Qudsia  Ghat is located along the Yamuna River, adjacent to Qudsia Bagh.  During site investigations, remnants of the historic ghat structures were discovered. INTACH prepared and executed a comprehensive development plan for the ghat. As part of the project, the ghat steps, Baradari ,Char Bagh, a statue of Yamuna Ji, and elephant statues were developed to restore and enhance the site’s historical and cultural character. The site now serves as a venue for the regular performance of the Yamuna Aarti.

 

 

21

Development of 9 Kunds (Laxmi Talab, Paharia Talab, Panchkosi Talab, Rewa Talab, Sona Talab, Bakariya Talab, Dudhiya Talab, Kalha Talab, Kabir PrakatiyaTalab) at Varanasi, UP

Varanasi Development Authority

VDA engaged INTACH to investigate the kunds, prepare comprehensive development plans, and execute the plans on site. INTACH developed and implemented individual plans for each kund, taking into account their cultural significance and ecological importance.

 

22

Afforestation (Rudraksh, Bhojpatra & Local Species) in the Mid-Hills of  Uttrakhand Himalayas

HCL Foundation

Under a tripartite agreement between INTACH, NMCG and HCL Foundation, landscape conservation and habitat restoration is being carried out in the middle and upper Himalayas in Uttarakhand through plantation of Rudraksh, Bhojpatra and their associated species. More than 30000 saplings have been planted over a period of 4 years in Chamoli, Almora and Uttarkashi districts.

 

23

Conservation of paintings at Bathany Mother House Chapel

Bethany Chapel Mangalore

Paintings Conservation

 

24

Conservation of Indian Customs and Indirect Taxes Museum

Indian Customs and Indirect Taxes Museum, Oanaji, Goa

Museum Conservation

 

25

Conservation of Delhi Police Museum

Delhi Police Museum

Museum Conservation

 

26

Conservation of Museum of Christion Art

Museum of Christian Art

Museum Conservation

 

27

Undertake conservation and restoration of historical and important art works and heritage sites.

 

Nepal Art Council

Conservation and Restoration of Art work sand heritage sites.

 

28

Conservation of Fresco Paintings of North Block

Fresco Paintings at North Block

Paintings Conservation

 

29

Conservation of Paintings at St. Aloysius Chapel

Chapel, Mangalore

Painting Conservation

 

30

Conservation of rare paper manuscripts

Lucknow Smart CityLtd

Manuscripts conservation

 

31

Conservation of books

Lucknow Smart City Ltd

Books conservation

 

32

Conservation of rare books, IPM

Lucknow Smart City

Ltd

Books conservation & IPM

 

33

Conservation, Archival binding

National Institute of Design

Conservation, Archival binding

 

34

Conservation of Shiv temple I, Raebareli, U.P.

Pandit Balmukund Mishra Samajik

Evam Dharmik Trust (PBMSD),

Behta Kalan, Raebareli, (U.P.)

Conservation of exterior, interior and architectural features of the temple.

35

Conservation of Shree Bhauji Sahiba Shivalaya, Balrampur, U.P.

Balrampur Dharam Karya Nidhi Trust, Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P.

Conservation of exterior, interior and architectural features of the temple

36

Conservation of East Gate, Balrampur, U.P.

Balrampur Dharam Karya Nidhi Trust, Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P.

Conservation of architectural features of the gate

38

Conservation of Gupt Hari temple, Ayodhya, U.P.

INTACH Ayodhya Chapter

Bastion and flooring restoration

39

DAMH–State Museum & VAG of 86 art works

Department of Archaeology and Museum Heritage

DAMH–State Museum & VAG of 86 art works

40

Kalari Project–kerala, Polychrome wood ensealing and small sculptures

Hotel and Allied trades Pvt Ltd Unit – kerala

Kalari Project–kerala, Polychrome

41

DAMH– Roerich239 artworks

Department of Archaeology and Museum Heritage

DAMH– Roerich239 artworks

42

AzimPremjiUniversity–20artworks

Azim Premji University

Azim Premji University–20artworks

43

National Centre for Biological Sciences – 57 artworks

National Centre          for Biological Sciences

National Centre for Biological Sciences–57artworks

44

DAMH-GIM–216 art works

Department of Archaeology and Museum Heritage

DAMH-GIM–216 artworks

45

High Court of Karnataka–3 art works

High Court

High Court of Karnataka – 3artworks

46

DAMH-POP

Department of Archeology and Museum Heritage

DAMH-POP

47

Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL)

BIAL

Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL)

48

DAMH–Hebbar&Venkatappa–220 collections

Department of Archeology and Museum Heritage

Museum Conservation

49

Southern Railways–Chennai

Southern Railways          – Chennai

Southern Railways–Chennai

50

Conservation of the Inscription Plaque at the Police Headquarters

Director of Karnataka State Intelligence

Inscription Conservation

51

Lalbhag– 8 Photographs

Lalbhag

Lalbhag– 8 Photographs

 

52

The Museum of Art and Photography– MAP

The Museum of Artand Photography

Museum Conservation

 

53

Conservation of Judicial Archives and conservation of High Court of Orissa Museum

The High court of Orissa

Archives Conservation

 

54

Conservation of Old and Rare Records of Board of Revenue, Odisha, Cuttack

Board of Revenue, Odisha, Cuttack

Old and Rare records Conservation

 

55

Conservation of archival records

of National Archives

National Archives of India, Records Centre, Eastern Zone, Bhubaneswar

Archival Conservation

 

56

Conservation of Rare Books of Kanika Library

Ravenshaw          University, Cuttack

Books Conservation

 

57

Rabindra Bharati Museum, Kolkata

Conservation of Certificates

Certificate Conservation

 

58

Kolkata Port Trust

Restoration    of Paintings and Poster

Paintings and Poster Conservation

 

59

Kolkata Port Trust

Conservation of          old drawings

Drawings Conservation

 

60

HQ Eastern Command Library, Fort Willium, Kolkata

Conservation of rare books and maps

Books and Maps Conservation

 

61

Eastern Railway, Kolkata

Conservation of Old Time Table

Old Time and Table Conservation

 

62

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust

Digitization of Drawing and Documents

Paper Digitization

 

63

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust

Conservation and Binding of Minute Books

Books Conservation

 

64

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust

Conservation and Digitization of old maps, drawing and documents

 

 

65

Conservation of 26 nos. of Monuments in Odisha

Odisha State

Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of Ancient Temple, Math, Museum, Masjid etc.

 

66

Restoration of Late Janakinath Bose House at Puri, Odisha

Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of the Building and conversion into Subhash Bose Museum

 

67

Conservation of Heritage Building at Hukitola, Kendrapara, Odisha

ICZMP (Wildlife), Mangrove Forest Division, Rajanagar

Kendrapara, Odisha

Restoration of the Building

 

68

Conservation of  Ranimahal, Sambalpur, Odisha

Dept. of Tourism &

Culture (Tourism), Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of the Palace

 

69

Conservation of Ghadi Ghar, Nilagiri, Balasore

Odisha State Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Conservation of Ghadi Ghar of Nilagiri Palace

 

70

Conservation of Kapileswar Temple, Old Town Bhubaneswar

Odisha State

Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Chemical Conservation of Main Temple and paving

Around the Temple

 

71

Preservation and Chemical

Conservation of Pothagarh Fort at Ganjam

ICZMP (Culture) Odisha

Restoration of Fort

 

72

Renovation of Town Hall, Sambalpur.

Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of the Building, Peripheral Development and Conversion in to museum

 

73

Renovation of Ananda Bazar inside

Lingaraj Temple Campus at Old Town, Bhubaneswar

Odisha State

Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Development of Bhoga Mandapand Anada Bazar

 

74

Restoration of Wooden Canopy of Maa Charchika Temple at Cuttack.

Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of Wooden Canopy

 

75

Development of Orissa High Court Museum, Cuttack

The High Court of Orissa, Dept. of Law, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration and Development of the Building and Museum

 

76

Restoration of Late Manoj Das House & Eventual Conversion into

Memorial at Sankhari, Balasore,

Odisha

Odisha State Archaeology, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of Birth Place and Development into

Memorial.

 

77

Conservation of Shiv TempleI I, Raebareli, U.P.

Pandit Balmukund Mishra Samajik  Evam Dharmik Trust 

(PBMSD),  Behta Kalan, Raebareli, (U.P.)

Conservation of exterior, interior, architectural

 features of the temple

 

78

Conservation of South Gate, Balrampur, U.P.

Balrampur Dharam Karya Nidhi Trust, Neelbagh Palace, Balrampur, U.P.

Conservation of architectural features of the gate

 

79

DAMH–Framing & Mounting–239 art works

Department of Archeology and Museum Heritage

Conservation of Museum

 

80

Wipro–46artworks

Wipro

 

 

81

The Museum of Art and Photography– MAP

The Museum of Art and Photography

Conservation of Museum and Photography

 

82

Conservation of Bezbaruh  Houseat Sambalpur,

Odisha.

Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha &

Dept. of Culture, Govt.of Assam

Restoration of Building and

Conversion into memorial

 

83

Conservation of George Lions Clubat  Balangir, Odisha

Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha

 

 

 

84

Restoration and

Development of Gandhi Odisha Balashrama at

Garadpur, District-Bhadrak, Odisha

Department of                 Odia Language Literature & Culture,                        Govt. of Odisha

Restoration of Museum Hall, Library Hall and Auditorium Hall

 

85

Establishment of Maritime Museum at Chandbali,  Dist-Bhadrak, Odisha

Director Port, IWT,

Govt. of Odisha

Conservation of Old Port House and Development into Maritime Museum

 

86

Restoration of Chaurasi Pauri,Una, Himachal Pradesh

Una Local administration

Restoration of 84 steps and gateway

 

87

Restoration of Veda Temple, Ramgarh, Shekhawati

 

 

 

88

Conservation of Hanuman Garhiand

AwadhVihar I Temple, Datia, Madhya Pradesh

Dharmartha, Govt.

of MP

 

 

89

Restoration of Sharda Mata Baoli, Maihar, MP

Birla Corp

 

 

90

Restoration of Deodi facades – Satya Narayan Temple, Radha Krishna temple and Sardaron ka mandir, Jammu

Jammu Smart City

 

 

91

Restoration of Charan Paduka Mandir, Guptar Ghat, Ayodhya

 

 

 

92

Oli Temple, Old Mata Vaishno Devi route, Bamiyal, J & K

 

 

 

93

Restoration of Stepwell, IKSV, Khairagarh, Chattisgarh

Indira Kala Sangeet Viswavidyalaya, Khairagarh

 

 

94

French Major Tomb, Jharsa Village,

Gurugram, Haryana

 

 

 

95

Gateway, Old Ganga Bridge, Kanpur

 

 

 

96

Restoration of St. Mary’s Church (chapel portion- Phase I), Ajmer, Rajasthan

St. Mary’s Church

 

 

97

Heritage Buildings in Kilkari campus, Bihar Bal Bhavan, Muzza farpur, Bihar

Bihar Bal Bhawan

 

 

98

Historic Well, Dhun Village, Tarn Taran, Punjab

 

 

 

99

Nagar Nigam Museum, Gwalior, MP

Gwalior Nagar Nigam

 

 

100

Rajakiya Library, Prayagraj

Prayagraj Smart City Ltd.

 

 

 

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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