Section 20E of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
1[20E. Heritage bye-laws.--(1) The competent authority, in consultation with Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage, being a trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (2 of 1882), or such other expert heritage bodies as may be notified by the Central Government, shall prepare heritage bye-laws in respect of each protected monument and protected area.
- (2)The heritage bye-laws referred to in sub-section (1) shall, in addition to such matters as may be prescribed, include matters relating to heritage controls such as elevations, facades, drainage systems, roads and service infrastructure (including electric poles, water and sewer pipelines).
- (3)The Central Government shall, by rules, specify the manner of preparation of detailed site plans in respect of each protected area or protected monument or prohibited area or regulated area, the time within which such heritage bye-laws shall be prepared and particulars to be included in each such heritage bye-laws.
- (4)The competent authority for the purpose of preparation of detailed site plans and heritage bye-laws may appoint such number of experts or consultants as it may deem fit.
- (5)A copy of each of the heritage bye-laws prepared under sub-section (1) shall be forwarded to the Authority for its approval.
- (6)A copy of the heritage bye-laws as approved by the Authority under sub-section (5) shall be laid before each House of Parliament.
- (7)Each heritage bye-laws shall, be made available by the competent authority to the public, by exhibiting the same on its website and also in such other manner as it may deem fit, immediately after laying the same before each House of Parliament.]
Summary
- The competent authority must create specific heritage bye-laws for every protected monument and area.
- These bye-laws are made after consulting with the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage or other experts.
- The rules cover building details like how high they can be, how the front looks, and where pipes or electric poles go.
- The government sets the timeline and the specific details that must be included in these site plans.
- Experts and consultants can be hired specifically to help write these rules and draw site plans.
- Once the National Monuments Authority approves the bye-laws, they must be shown to both Houses of Parliament.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who does the competent authority consult to make heritage bye-laws under Section 20E of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958?
They consult with the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) or other expert heritage bodies notified by the government.
2. What kind of things do heritage bye-laws regulate under Section 20E of the 1958 Act?
They regulate heritage controls like elevations, facades, drainage systems, roads, and service infrastructure like electric poles.
3. Do heritage bye-laws need approval from anyone under Section 20E of the monuments law?
Yes, they must be forwarded to and approved by the National Monuments Authority and then laid before each House of Parliament.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 20E of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which organization is specifically named as a consultant for heritage bye-laws?
Q2.According to Section 20E of the 1958 Act, what must happen to the heritage bye-laws after the National Monuments Authority approves them?
Q3.Which of these is a "heritage control" explicitly mentioned in Section 20E of the ancient monuments law?
Q4.Who has the power to appoint experts for preparing heritage bye-laws under Section 20E of the 1958 Act?