Allahabad High Court Demands Action on Degrading Heritage Sites in Uttar Pradesh

The Allahabad High Court has instructed central and state authorities to respond to a PIL seeking protection for heritage sites in Uttar Pradesh, filed by Akash Vashishtha. The petition highlights the neglect of 5,416 sites, out of which only 212 are currently protected.

The Allahabad High Court has called for swift responses from the central and Uttar Pradesh state governments concerning the deteriorating condition of heritage sites in the region. This order arises from a public interest litigation (PIL) presented by Akash Vashishtha, an advocate for heritage and culture.

Highlighting the dire state of 5,416 historical sites in locations such as Jhansi, Agra, and Vrindavan, the PIL seeks immediate intervention. Senior advocate Sanjay Upadhyay, representing Vashishtha, emphasized that many of these sites remain unrecorded and unprotected by state authorities.

The court previously issued notices to related departments, mandating them to address the matter promptly. It is urged that at least 3,500 known sites be inventoried and safeguarded, as currently, protection is extended to a mere 212 locations as per State Archaeology Department records.