NoC poser to construction near monuments

Tight Leash

- PARVEZ SULTAN @ New Delhi

The National Monument Authority (NMA) has issued strict directions to all states and Union Territories (UTs) prohibiting any unauthorised construction or development within the vicinity of centrally protected monuments unless prior approval has been obtained from the designated Competent Authority (CA).

In a letter addressed to all Principal Secretaries of Urban Development Departments, the NMA underlined that no construction must be permitted in either the prohibited (0-100 metres) or regulated (101-300 metres) zones around monuments without a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the CA. These competent authorities are senior officials designated by the Centre in each state or UT to oversee compliance with heritage protection laws.