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The Himachal Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976

The Himachal Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976

Education197638 sections

This Act protects ancient structures, caves, rocks, and historical sites across Himachal Pradesh that are at least 100 years old or of archaeological significance. It empowers the state to declare specific areas as protected zones, regulate their preservation, and prevents unauthorized excavation or alteration. The law comes into force on a date set by the State Government (Section 1) and applies to the entire state (Section 1). Violations attract fines and imprisonment, making it essential for citizens to seek permits before working in these protected areas.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Certain ancient and historical monuments, etc. deemed to be protected monuments or areas
  4. 4. Power of Government to declare ancient monuments etc. to be protected monuments and areas
  5. 5. Acquisition of rights in a protected monument
  6. 6. Preservation of protected monument by agreement
  7. 7. Persons competent to exercise powers of owner under section 6 in respect of a protected monument when owner is under disability or when it is a village property
  8. 8. Application of endowment to repair a protected monument
  9. 9. Failure or refusal to enter into an agreement
  10. 10. Power to make order prohibiting contravention of agreement under section
  11. 11. Enforcement of agreement
  12. 12. Purchasers at certain sales and persons claiming through owner bound by instrument executed by owner
  13. 13. Acquisition of protected monument
  14. 14. Maintenance of certain protected monuments
  15. 15. Voluntary contributions
  16. 16. Provided that no contribution received under this section shall be applied to any purpose other than the purpose for which it was contributed.
  17. 17. Relinquishment of Government rights in a monument
  18. 18. Rights of access to protected monuments
  19. 19. Restrictions on enjoyment of proprietary rights in protected areas
  20. 20. Power to acquire protected areas
  21. 21. Excavations in protected areas
  22. 22. Excavations in areas other than protected areas
  23. 23. Compulsory purchase of antiquities etc., discovered during excavation operations
  24. 24. Excavations etc., for archaeological purposes
  25. 25. Power of Government to control moving of antiquities
  26. 26. Purchase of antiquities by Government
  27. 27. Compensation for loss or damage
  28. 28. Assessment of market value or compensation
  29. 29. Delegation of powers
  30. 30. Penalties
  31. 31. Jurisdiction to try offences
  32. 32. Certain offences to be cognizable
  33. 33. Recovery of amount due to the Government
  34. 34. Ancient monuments, etc. no longer requiring protection
  35. 35. Power to correct mistakes
  36. 36. Protection of action taken under the Act
  37. 37. Power to make rules
  38. 38. Repeal and savings

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