Approach Road to Nurmahal Sarai Encroached, Heritage Laws Flouted
Dilbag Singh
Approach Road to Nurmahal Sarai Encroached, Heritage Laws Flouted
NURMAHAL 11 FEBRUARY
The approach road leading to Nurmahal Sarai, a centrally protected National Monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has been encroached from all sides by unauthorized shops and temporary constructions, raising serious concerns over heritage protection and public access.
According to residents and heritage activists, illegal encroachments have virtually narrowed the access road, causing obstruction to visitors, traffic congestion, and damage to the historical ambience of the Mughal-era monument. The situation has made it difficult for tourists and devotees to reach the monument freely, undermining its cultural dignity.
Experts point out that such encroachments are in direct violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. Under Section 19, unauthorized construction within protected areas is prohibited, while Sections 20A and 20B restrict activities in prohibited and regulated zones around national monuments. Section 30 empowers authorities to remove illegal encroachments and restore protected land.
Encroachment on the approach road also amounts to public nuisance under Section 133 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), as it obstructs public passage and poses safety risks.
Despite the monument enjoying protected status, the encroachments continued unchecked, reflecting poor coordination between the ASI, district administration, and municipal authorities.
A grievance has been submitted to the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India seeking immediate inspection, removal of encroachments, and permanent protection of the approach road.
Heritage activists have warned that failure to act promptly may lead to irreversible damage to the monument’s surroundings and weaken public faith in India’s heritage conservation laws.
