Thursday, August 17 2006 16:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A multi-pronged strategy is being adopted by Government for maintenance and generation of funds for upkeep of world heritage sites and an amount of Rs 312.9 crore has been spent between 2003 and July this year for the purpose, the Lok Sabha was informed today (Aug 17, 2006).

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had approved an annual conservation programme for 2006-07 for structural conservation, annual maintenance, chemical preservation and horticulture operations of centrally-protected monuments totalling Rs 98.6 crore, Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni said during Question Hour.

The Minister was replying to a question on protection of Konark Temple and other major monuments in the country.

Observing that funds available to ASI along with those from other organisations like Indian Oil Foundation were being utilised for conservation of the sites, Soni said sound and light programmes besides enhancement of tourism were also helping in generation of additional funds for maintenance of monuments.

"Several factors including deterioration of stones used, thermal action, rainfall, biological agents and erosion caused by salt in coastal areas were responsible for deterioration of heritage structures," the Minister said.

Giving details of amounts allotted on conservation of such sites, Soni said Rs 90.27 crore were spent in 2003-04, Rs 92.87 in 2004-05, Rs 101.94 crore in 2005-06 and Rs 27.82 till July this year for maintenance of heritage strcutures.