NoC poser to construction near monuments

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).

- PARVEZ SULTAN @New Delhi

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.

The directive stems from increasing concern over encroachments and illegal constructions near India's 3,697 centrally protected monuments. The warning comes in the wake of a recent Karnataka High Court order, which restrained the state from allowing any development near protected sites without statutory clearance.