ASI to Use Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Locate 'Missing' Monuments in Delhi: A Scientific Leap in Heritage Conservation

The survey focuses on monuments that were once listed as 'centrally protected' but have since been lost to the public eye. According to a 2013 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), at least 92 monuments across India were untraceable. In Delhi, several structures from the Sultanate and Mughal eras have been swallowed by residential colonies or covered by debris. The use of GPR allows the ASI to verify the existence of these structures beneath the current ground level, providing empirical evidence for their location and extent. This move signifies a shift in India’s heritage management strategy—from reactive conservation to proactive, technology-driven identification. It aligns with the objectives of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, which mandates the protection of sites of national importance. Furthermore, the data gathered will help update the National Monuments Authority (NMA) database, ensuring better land-use planning and preventing further encroachment. UPSC Relevance: This development is highly relevant for GS Paper I (Art and Culture) and History Optional, specifically regarding archaeological sources and the preservation of Indian architecture. It also serves as a prime example for GS Paper III (Science and Technology) on how modern tools like GPR can solve governance challenges in heritage conservation. Aspirants can use this as a case study for questions on urbanisation vs. heritage and the role of scientific institutions in nation-building.