CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of Centrally Protected Monuments which have been encroached upon, closely followed by Tamil Nadu.

Detailed explanation-2: -The ‘heartland of India’ Uttar Pradesh, with a rich cultural heritage, has the highest number of historical monuments, as per the data released by the Ministry of Culture. It says that the state boasts of 743 monuments with the distribution area of 324 square kilometres per monument.

Detailed explanation-3: -What are centrally protected monuments? Centrally Protected Monuments are those that are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Detailed explanation-4: -53 State Protected Monuments have been recognized by the ASI in Mizoram. Besides the State Protected Monuments, also the Monuments of National Importance in this state might be relevant.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rapid urbanisation, and the increasing demand for space, allows neglected monuments to become spaces into which settlements can easily encroach.