Protected monuments in the country are facing threat from unauthorized constructions, many of which are done by none other than government officials. Last year, more than 800 historical structures under the Arcehological Survey of India (ASI) were either damaged or encroached upon.

Maximum number of cases have been reported from Delhi (311), followed by Chandigarh (160) and Aurangabad (117).

ASI has provided the data in response to the right to application (RTI) application filed by Delhi based social activist Gopal Prasad.

According to the information, ASI has lodged first information reports in 311 cases of violations in Delhi. Out of these, 27 cases are against government officials.

There have been as many as 10 cases in which the ASI got cases registered against NDMC officials for illegal construction around Jantar Mantar.

As per the rules, construction cannot be done within 100 meters of the monument under the supervision of the ASI.