The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing a comprehensive plan to provide security cover to historical monuments across the country to protect them from attacks and damage by visitors.
According to news agency PTI, the ASI, which is responsible for conservation of the monuments, has invited bids from private security agencies for guarding historical buildings in the capital and other places of prime tourist importance.
Although private security men are stationed at a number of monuments presently, all are not covered yet. Heritage sites like Taj Mahal and Red Fort are being guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the report said.
Director General of ASI K N Shrivastava confirmed that the department was roping in private security agencies for guarding the sites conserved by it.
Private guards will render duties of access control in the monuments and also patrol the premises to thwart attempts of damage and disfiguring by visitors. They will be deployed at monuments of “larger tourist interest,” an ASI official said.
Due to its long civilization, India has one of the richest heritages of historical monuments in the world, the report added.
