AGRA: A total of 3,916 illegal constructions has come up around 154 protected monuments in Agra over the past decade, but no fines have been imposed and no encroachers convicted, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in an RTI reply in 2023. However, in another RTI reply in 2025, this number rose marginally to 3,919.Officials have largely limited their response to filing of FIRs, with little enforcement on the ground. The situation appears alarming in Tajganj area. From the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal to Asad Gali, illegal structures have mushroomed unchecked, with over 10 fresh complaints reported in just the past two months, between Feb and March this year, at Tajganj police station.Also, encroachments continued unabated within the 200 m prohibited zone of Agra Fort. In Fatehpur Sikri, these have spread from Chaar Hissa to Hiran Minar, both falling within restricted areas. And, over the past three months alone, several FIRs have been registered in prohibited zones around Taj Mahal, Akbar and Mariam’s tombs under relevant sections of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Heritage activist Akash Vashishtha alleged ASI has been “misleading both the culture ministry and the public” by showing similar figures of illegal constructions in RTI replies in Sept 2023 and April 2025. “This suggests that fresh encroachments are being concealed rather than addressed,” he said.TOI reached out to the ASI superintending archaeologist of Agra circle, Smita S Kumar, but she did not respond. An ASI official of Agra circle said FIRs are routinely lodged against illegal constructions. “Enforcement powers lie with the authority. Police and district administration are required to act jointly, and effective legal follow-up is being ensured,” he said.The ongoing violations are seen despite stringent orders of the Supreme Court and provisions under the amended Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (2010). The amendment mandated ASI to prepare detailed site plans and specific regulations for monument protection.As per this Act, any new construction is completely prohibited within a 100 m radius of a protected monument. For the next 200 m, construction is allowed only with prior permission from the National Monuments Authority. Violations can result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.
