43 monuments in Uttarakhand protected by ASI: Shekhawat

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said over 40 monuments are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) while the Sangeet Natak Akademi is directly promoting several performing folk arts and cultural festivals in Uttarakhand.

He was replying in the Lok Sabha while replying to a question raised by Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat on the first day of the winter session.

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Replying to Rawat’s question on the Centre’s provisions for preservation of cultural heritage of Uttarakhand, the Union culture minister said, “Currently 43 centrally protected monuments and sites in Uttarakhand are under care and maintenance of the ASI.

“Conservation work is undertaken as per requirement and availability of resources in accordance with National Policy for Conservation of heritage monuments. All these sites are presently in good shape.”

Union minister added that Sangeet Natak Akademi is also playing an active role in promoting folk, traditional and tribal performing arts in the Himalayan state. He informed that Akademi has been organising several programmes like Kala Dharohar dedicated to Meera Bai in Nainital, Chamoli, Tehri and Dehradun and Kala Pravah in Almora.

He added that the government has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) to protect, promote and preserve various forms of folk art and culture throughout the country.

“The ZCCs organise various cultural activities and programmes on a regular basis in their member States. Cultural festivals and art promotional activities in Uttarakhand are organised by cultural festivals and art promotion in Uttarakhand are organised by North Zone Cultural Centre (NCZC) Patiala and North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) Prayagraj,” he added.