TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 31, 2025: The Government of India has invested a total of ₹26.24 crore over the past five years for the conservation, protection, and maintenance of monuments and heritage sites across Chhattisgarh, as revealed in a written statement presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Phulo Devi Netam, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the House that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted a detailed survey across 764 villages in Chhattisgarh between 2014-15 and 2024-25. The survey identified antiquarian remains in 73 villages, highlighting the state’s vast and diverse cultural heritage.
Consistent Funding for Preservation Efforts
According to the minister’s statement, the Central Government has allocated and fully utilized funds year-on-year to maintain and conserve centrally protected sites in the state. The year-wise allocation includes:
- ₹2.89 crore in 2020–21
- ₹4.78 crore in 2021–22
- ₹7.50 crore in 2022–23
- ₹5.94 crore in 2023–24
- ₹5.13 crore in 2024–25
Preserving Chhattisgarh’s Rich Cultural Legacy
The Ministry stated that these efforts are part of a broader mission to preserve India’s tangible cultural heritage. The discoveries and preservation works in Chhattisgarh reflect the region’s historical significance, and the ongoing conservation ensures that these monuments and heritage sites are protected for future generations.
The ASI’s village-level survey is considered one of the most comprehensive heritage mapping exercises undertaken in the state, offering a crucial database for future conservation planning and cultural tourism development.
