Recently Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel has announced a plan to bring around 7,000 temples in the state of Tamil Nadu under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Currently these temples in Tamil Nadu are managed by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department of Tamil Nadu state government.
HR&CE officials say the Centre also plans to convert temples in places like Mamallapuram into tourist destinations.
A senior ASI officer told The Federal the monuments will be maintained properly if they are taken over by the ASI.
“According to the ASI Act, 1958, if ASI takes control of a temple, it must maintain the status quo of the temple. If regular poojas are performed in the temple, then it must be followed. Likewise, if poojas are not performed in the temple, then it should not be entertained in the future as well,” he said.
While it is expected the ASI can maintain the monuments well, Ramakrishna also pointed out some drawbacks. “If ASI takes a monument under its control, then one cannot build any other structure within 100 metres of the site, and buildings can be built within its 200 metres only after they are granted necessary permission,” added Ramakrishna.
Currently, 413 monuments in Tamil Nadu are under the control of the ASI.
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