Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has urged states to take steps to preserve British-era district collectorates, courts, hospital buildings, railway stations, and other public assets built during the colonial era.
Shekhawat stated that many such historic structures have been razed or face demolition after years of neglect in various cities over the past several years.
The minister noted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has 3,686 sites under its care, and nearly all states have their own archaeology departments responsible for listed sites and assets.
Shekhawat emphasized that state governments work on these sites and their conservation as per their available resources and that it's time for them to take steps with more seriousness.
The minister pointed out that many cities have district collectorates, courts, and hospital buildings built 100-125 years ago, and old railway stations that need protection and conservation.
India is home to a range of historic properties and sites, including ancient temples, medieval structures, and colonial-era buildings, which continue to be used as government offices, museums, libraries, and railway stations.
However, several of these old buildings are not declared protected, leaving them vulnerable to decay or demolition, heritage experts say.
