ASI, ISRO ink MoU for Satellite Mapping of ASI Monuments

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for preparation of satellite based maps indicating prohibited and regulated areas clearly for the information of public and also to facilitate procedure for grant of permissions for construction related activity within prohibited and regulated areas of all 3686 centrally protected monuments.

ISRO has a repository of photographs of various monuments/sites that have been taken at periodic intervals. Using these photographs that are taken routinely through satellites over a period of time and combining them with the map-plotted boundaries of plots for which permissions under AMASR Act have been given, a surveillance system is within the realm of technological possibility.

This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.