Laws Relating to Heritage Conservation in India

An introductory approach to heritage conservation has been given. In this regard we have to understand what is meant by the term "heritage" and the various kinds of heritage. In the present paper definitions and meanings of "Natural Heritage" and "Cultural Heritage" have been discussed.

Various kinds of laws are present for the purpose of heritage management- both international and national. International law includes the Rio declaration, Stockholm declaration, Constitution of UNESCO and other conventions. National law includes the Constitution of India, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (AATA), the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASRA), etc. Major cases in India relating to heritage conservation with special reference to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case and the Taj Trapezium case have been discussed. From above discussions, it is concluded that along with strict implementation of the prevailing laws, there must be people's awareness for heritage conservation.