New Delhi, Mar 27: A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Ministry of Culture undertake a comprehensive review of maintenance standards and visitor facilities at all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The panel has also asked the ministry to prepare a time-bound revamp plan to ensure that site management aligns with international standards.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, headed by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, presented the report, Demands for Grants (2026-27) of Ministry of Culture, in Parliament on Wednesday. The committee emphasized that India’s growing portfolio of 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites\ including cultural, natural, and mixed properties—carries a “corresponding obligation” to uphold high standards of conservation, interpretation, and visitor management.
Key recommendations include:
A five-year UNESCO nomination strategy with at least 10 potential nominations, structured engagement for multinational nominations, and dedicated staff and budget for nomination dossiers.
A comprehensive review of maintenance standards and visitor facilities, followed by a time-bound plan to upgrade condition, infrastructure, and management.
Submission of final utilisation figures for ASI conservation expenditure for 2025-26 within 90 days.
Detailed status reports for 15 major archaeological site development projects, including timelines, financial and physical progress, and ongoing conservation provisions.
The committee noted that ASI manages 3,685 centrally protected monuments through 38 circles, with Rs 1,235.78 crore allocated for 2026-27, constituting 36.17% of the ministry’s total budget. Historical utilisation rates for ASI’s conservation budget have consistently been above 99% between 2021-22 and 2024-25, though the current year stands at 67.17% as of November 2025.
The report highlighted notable UNESCO sites in India, such as the Nalanda University ruins and Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bihar, the Maratha Military Landscapes in Maharashtra, Moidams in Assam, Rani ki Vav in Gujarat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, and the Historic City of Ahmedabad. Recent nominations include the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for the 2026-27 cycle and the proposed Ancient Buddhist Site at Sarnath for 2025-26.
The panel stressed that these initiatives will enhance India’s global visibility in the heritage domain and ensure that its UNESCO World Heritage Sites are maintained to standards reflecting their outstanding universal value. The ministry is expected to provide periodic updates on implementation.