Illegal constructions at 28 ASI sites in Bengal: Govt
Responding to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that of 52 protected monuments and areas under ASI's Raiganj circle, unauthorised constructions were reported at 28 sites and encroachment at five monuments.
"ASI has issued stop notices and written to state or local authorities for taking appropriate action, including filing police complaints," Shekhawat said in response to a question from BJP's Samik Bhattacharya.
The list of monuments facing illegal construction includes the Cooch Behar Palace, Adina Mosque in Malda, and Murshidabad's Dutch cemetery, tomb of Siraj-ud-Daulah, Hazarduari and Imambara. A senior official of the National Monument Authority said that a majority of centrally protected monuments in the state are affected.
You Can Also Check:
Kolkata AQI
|
Weather in Kolkata
|
Bank Holidays in Kolkata
|
Public Holidays in Kolkata
Superintending Archaeologists, designated as estate officers under the Public Premises Act, are authorised to issue eviction notices and initiate legal proceedings. "We routinely serve eviction notices and file FIRs with the police. Evictions are carried out, but in most cases, encroachers return within days," the officer said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Fake news': MEA rejects report claiming Centre 'reviewing list of US goods exempted from tariffs'; calls out 'disinformation' on X
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs has dismissed the reports claiming central government "reviewing the list of US products exempted from tariffs". It also rejected the claim saying that the Centre was "suspending or reviewing certain bilateral agreements with the US". MEA's fact check unit was reacting to a post by "China in English" that claimed: "Indian Media | The Indian government begins reviewing the list of US products exempted from tariffs... and declares: 'No privileges without mutual respect.'" "This is FAKE News!" it said. In another post, it called out the disinformation by another X handle which claimed: "Unprecedented statement from New Delhi: India is considering suspending or reviewing certain bilateral agreements with the United States if hostile economic policies continue." It called out the X handle "Middle Eastern Affairs" for "making several social media posts with FAKE News." The reports surfaced as US President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that he had heard that India was no longer going to buy oil from Russia. The government sources, later, said oil refiners continue to purchase crude from Russian suppliers. "Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors," ANI quoted the sources as saying.
News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge': Why PM Modi Won't Stop Being Friends With Putin As Trump Fumes
Last Updated: India's NSA Ajit Doval and foreign minister S Jaishankar might visit Russia this month, which is likely to further irritate US President Donald Trump 'Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge …' – this Bollywood classic is a perfect description of the relationship between Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. While Donald Trump may be displeased with this friendship, Modi is firm in his stance – India will not sever ties with its most reliable ally to foster a friendship with one of the world's most powerful men. 'They (India) are Russia's largest energy buyer, along with China, at a time when the world wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine," Trump said, threatening India with an unspecified 'penalty" for its dealings with Russia. Recently, there was news that Indian firms had ceased buying Russian oil. Trump quickly praised this as a positive step. But India soon clarified that this was not the case – Indian oil refiners are still sourcing oil from Russian suppliers. Although supplies have slightly decreased in July, these decisions are influenced by factors such as price, crude grade, inventories, logistics, and other economic considerations. Clearly, the India-Russia relationship is here to stay. Officially, the Centre has stated that India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. 'Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country," the foreign ministry said, indirectly addressing the US. These strong words underscore the India-Russia friendship. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also set to visit India in the coming months, marking his first tour since 2021. Clearly, India is committed to maintaining its friendship with Russia much to Trump's frustration. TRADE DEAL STANDOFF Trump is also upset for another reason – the stalled trade deal. Modi has stood firm against him, refusing trade concessions and not yielding to pressure. This is despite the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports starting August 7. India's message to Trump is clear: India-US relations have withstood numerous challenges and transitions. Delhi is not backing down. Top government sources said there will be no concessions on agriculture, no opening dairy to American firms, and a refusal of genetically modified crops or beef-based dairy. For India, farmers' interests are paramount. This is also a significant voter base. The government recalls the repeal of the three farm laws after massive protests in 2021. India is prepared to absorb the 0.2 percent GDP loss resulting from the 25 percent tariff, viewing it as manageable and minimal. India will patiently wait for the signing of a mini-deal by September or October. Until then, the focus is on standing firm and not compromising core interests for a few billion dollars. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: News india 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge': Why PM Modi Won't Stop Being Friends With Putin As Trump Fumes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
43 minutes ago
- Hans India
PM, Shah meet Prez
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called on President Droupadi Murmu separately within hours at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. It was not known the reasons behind the subsequent meetings of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister with the President. There have been no words either from the Prime Minister's Office or the Home Minister's office about the meetings other than two posts on 'X' from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on 'X'. Hours later, the Rashtrapati Bhavan again wrote on 'X', "Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan." This was the first meeting of the Prime Minister with the President after his recent visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives. The meetings came against the backdrop of the logjam in Parliament over the Opposition's demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. Except discussions in both Houses on Operation Sindoor, Parliament has seen little business ever since the Monsoon session began on July 21. Also, the Lok Sabha last week approved the extension of the President's rule in Manipur for six more months, while the Rajya Sabha is yet to take up the motion for discussion. The President's rule was imposed in the Northeastern state on February 13. The Prime Minister's meeting with the President also came days after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on exports from India and an unspecified penalty because of New Delhi's purchases of Russian military equipment and oil. The meetings also came nearly two weeks after Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 tendered his resignation as Vice President to the President citing health grounds. The Vice President also functions as the chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission had last week announced that election of Vice President will take place on September 9. The electoral college for the Vice-Presidential election comprises all elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and all members of the Lok Sabha.
