ASI to help restore glory of ancient monuments, temples

Kancheepuram, Apr 12 (UNI) The Archaeological Society of India (ASI) has allocated Rs 5.25 crore for preservation and restoration of ancient monuments, including temples, under its control in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, an official said today.

Speaking to newspersons here this morning, Superintendent Archaeologist of the ASI Chennai Circle, Ms Sathyabhama Badrinath, said the ASI had 400 temples in both Tamil Nadu and Ponducherry under its control and the funds will be used for undertaking preservation and restoration work on the monuments and temples.

Last year, the ASI had spent Rs 1.75 crore for repair and restoration work at seven temples under its control in this district.

The current allocation will cover works at temples in Thanjavur and Dharasuram besides renovation of the Vellore and Sangagiri Forts.

Slabs containing information on the ancient temples, mounuments and structures will be erected in these places to help public get information on the historical significance and orgins of such ancient treasures.

The ASI had also set up a team of archaeological experts to explore ways to prevent such ancient structures from destruction.

Though new constructions were not permitted within 100 metre of such ancient monuments, some structures were coming up prompting the ASI to appeal to the District Collector and local authorities to control them, she added.

UNI