NATIONAL HERITAGE MONUMENT
Chiricahua, the ‘Wonderland of Rocks,’ is now a national park. What does the new status mean for tourism, visitors and conservation?
Chiricahua National Monument has been officially redesignated as Chiricahua National Park, aiming to enhance tourism. The park, located in Cochise County, is known for its unique rock formations and ecosystems. Local leaders expect increased visitation levels to contribute to economic growth in nearby communities. There are concerns regarding adequate funding and staffing to manage the influx of visitors.
India's cultural heritage receiving growing recognition at global level: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of India's music, dance, cinema, and cuisine during a conference. The event, titled 'Brihattar Bharat', focuses on India's cultural connections and legacy across the globe. Modi mentioned preserving India's cultural and manuscript heritage through various government initiatives. The conference also marks the centenary of the Greater India Society founded in 1926.
Architect fights to save India's past, built on 'stone, tears and sweat'
For over thirty years, Abha Narain Lambah has dedicated her life to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, focusing on ancient temples and colonial structures at risk from rapid urbanisation. By fostering partnerships among community organizations and private donors, she leads restoration efforts.
No order issued by ASI to close Jantar Mantar heritage site on October 10: Sources
Jantar Mantar's historic observatory, constructed in 1724, remained open despite heavy police restrictions during a protest. The security measures involved over 30,000 personnel and closure of multiple access points in central Delhi. The Archaeological Survey of India did not issue orders to close the site. Visitors were allowed in small groups, subject to police guidelines. Many individuals experienced difficulties moving freely due to the tight security around the area.
In 2007, satellite images, radar, and ground surveys revealed Angkor as the world’s largest preindustrial settlement complex
In 2007, a dedicated archaeological team successfully mapped Angkor, employing cutting-edge technology and techniques. Their discoveries illustrated that Angkor sprawled over roughly 1,000 square kilometers, featuring a sophisticated irrigation network. These revelations transformed perspectives on urban growth and population density in historical societies, offering a stark contrast to contemporary suburbs. This technology has also led to the unearthing of many other concealed ancient towns globally.
In 1885, Lisbon built a cable railway up one of its steepest streets; the Glória line later became a national monument and carried about 3 million passengers annually
In a tragic incident, a cable car crash in Lisbon claimed the lives of sixteen individuals due to a failure in a newly installed cable. Investigators found that improper installation and absence of proper certification were major factors. This calamity highlights the delicate balance between preserving heritage transport systems and adhering to contemporary safety standards.
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In 1882, Portugal built a water-powered lift up the Bom Jesus hillside; the unusual system still climbs the slope using gravity instead of motors
The Elevador do Bom Jesus in Portugal showcases enduring ingenuity, operating on the remarkable principle of water power since its inception in 1882. This fascinating funicular features a seesaw mechanism driven by water tanks, illustrating the brilliance of 19th-century engineering. As a proud component of a UNESCO World Heritage site, it continues to transport passengers, blending history with functionality.
In 1921, Simon Rodia, an Italian immigrant began building towers in his Los Angeles yard; 33 years later, his handmade creation included a tower more than 99 feet high
In 1921, Italian immigrant Sabato “Simon” Rodia began an ambitious project on his small property in Los Angeles. Working alone during nights and weekends, the railroad laborer and self-taught tile setter spent more than 33 years constructing what became Watts Towers. Rodia used steel, wire mesh, mortar and decorative materials ranging from tiles and seashells to soda bottles and bowling balls. He worked without welding or scaffolding, even as the tallest tower rose more than 99 feet. Today, the 17 interconnected structures stand as a celebrated example of folk-art sculpture and neighborhood creativity, resilience and identity in Watts.
In 2009, Belize’s Barrier Reef System was listed as endangered by UNESCO. 9 years later, oil drilling limits and protected fishing zones helped reverse its decline
Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System was removed from UNESCO's danger list in 2018. This followed the country's implementation of crucial conservation measures and stronger mangrove protection. A permanent moratorium on oil exploration across Belize's entire maritime zone was a key step. While removed from the danger list, ongoing management remains essential for the reef's protection.
414 protected monuments and areas witnessed encroachments; government says appropriate action taken in such cases
India has declared 3,688 ancient monuments as national importance sites. Of these, 414 protected sites have reported encroachments by individuals. The government is taking action under the AMASR Act for their protection. Surveys and geo-referencing of monument boundaries are now complete. This data is uploaded to the Bhuvan Portal for better management.
Subramanian Swamy moves SC, seeks direction to Centre to decide representation on 'Ram Setu'
Subramanian Swamy has approached the Supreme Court. He wants the Centre to decide quickly on his request. He wants 'Ram Setu' to be declared a national monument. The court had previously asked the Centre to consider the matter. Swamy says no decision has been communicated yet. He argues 'Ram Setu' needs protection.
Nearly 60 properties from India on Tentative List for inclusion on World Heritage List, says govt
India has nearly 60 properties on its Tentative List for potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to a government report shared in Parliament. This list includes sites under consideration for UNESCO recognition. India is hosting the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi from July 21 to July 31 for the first time.
Who moved my monument? The mystery of India's vanishing heritage sites
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has delisted 18 untraceable monuments—from a minar in Gurgaon to a copper temple in Arunachal. How can archaeological treasures be protected amid chaotic urban development and inadequate allocation of funds?
World Heritage Day: The missing Nicholson and other problems with India's monuments
Statue of John Nicholson, the notorious East India Company officer who led the assault on Delhi in the 1857 war, is one of the many missing monuments that continue to be listed by the government. According to a 2013 audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General, there are 24 "untraceable" monuments that are still being considered as the MNIs. the number might actually be higher due to a lack of proper documentation.
World Heritage Day 2023: What is the significance of celebrating our cultural heritage on this day?
World Heritage Day is an important day for raising awareness about the significance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it for future generations. It highlights the importance of World Heritage Sites and encourages people to take action to protect them.
Corporates are lending a helping hand to restoration architects to conserve abandoned places and monuments
The Kuldhara project was done in consultation with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and funded by the JSW Foundation. This is just one of many public-private conservation/restoration projects taken up across the country over the past seven years.
SC to hear plea to declare 'Ram Sethu' national heritage monument on Apr 26
Ram Sethu, also known as Adam's bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.
SC says it will consider after 3 months Subramanian Swamy's plea for giving Ram Sethu national heritage status
Ram Sethu is a chain of limestone shoals between coasts of India and Sri Lanka. According to the epic Ramayana, the Ram Sethu bridge was built by the 'Vanara army' to rescue Sita, who was kidnapped by Ravana.
State of monuments on PMO radar; panel formed for new conservation models
The PMO is also learnt to be closely looking at the cultural spaces and how they are being utilised.
Heritage Vs development: Panel of MPs to hear experts views today
Archaeologist and vice-chancellor of Pune’s Deccan College Vasant Shinde and managing director of DMRC Mangu Singh will present their views at an expert committee of MPs on Monday.
Corporates will do a better job of protecting monuments than ASI or VHP
A few years ago, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audited 1,655 of the 3,678 protected ASI monuments. It found that as many as 92 were missing!
Plea for declaration of disputed area in Ayodhya as national heritage
The PIL has sought a direction to the govt to notify & acquire the disputed site and the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act and declare it as the national heritage.
Dalmia Bharat group wins contract to maintain Red Fort
The Dalmia Bharat group has bagged the maintenance contract for Rs 25 crore, beating IndiGo and the GMR group to win the contract for more than 90 monuments.
Budget 2018: Government plans private investments with tech to deck up heritage, tourist sites
The govt proposes to develop ten prominent tourist sites as Iconic Tourism destinations.
Archaeological Survey of India monument tickets to cost 3 times more
"The notification has been cleared in the gazette. It should happen sometime this month," said a source in ASI.
Archaeological Survey of India and Google's 360° project goes live
Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb amongst other popular sites will now be available for online viewing with a 360-degree panoramic view, thanks to Google & Archaeological Survey of India.
ASI, Google unveil 360-degree online view of 30 monuments
The iconic Taj Mahal is among 30 Indian monuments which can now be "visited" online with a 360-degree panoramic view, thanks to a novel initiative.
Preserving the past and saving the present
What does India’s archaeological heritage have in common with her natural heritage? And why will preserving our environment also help save the pasts of our ancestors?
Sethu is not national monument: Centre
It is the prerogative of the govt to declare Sethu as a national heritage and it cannot be directed to do so, Centre has ruled.
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