The Archaeological Survey of India (Tamil Nadu) would conduct a survey and book those who encroached regulated area of heritage sites and monuments, a top ASI official said today.

"Currently, we have about 400 protected monuments/sites across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. We will conduct a detailed survey and book those who have encroached or constructed illegal buildings in the restricted area", ASI Superintending Archaeologist Sathyabhama Badhreenath told reporters.

This action follows the passing of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (amendment and validation) Act in Parliament recently, she said.

As per the Act,any construction in regulated areas without prior permission of the competent authority or in contravention of the permission granted by the competent authority shall be punishable with two years imprisonment or a fine of Rs one lakh or both, she said.

For each site/monument of the state, three security guards would be deployed, she said,adding that ASI has also requested the Centre to provide funds for the purpose.