3. Pollution effects are not confined to the environment. The potential for damage to historical monuments has already been realized. Some damage, such as from wind or rain, is unavoidable. However, pollution contributes additional risk factors that can increase the level of destruction.

4. Not just ordinary people, even the best known heritage monuments — a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture — are breathing uneasy because of rise in toxicity of air

5. Most of the Indian cities are known for their heritage monuments but impact of rising air pollution on them is not measured. The government for the first time has made an attempt to highlight the gravity of the problem by collating data on pollution levels in the vicinity of 138 heritage monuments in 39 cities

9. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as an attached office under the Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.

11. Britain has an exceptionally rich heritage of ruined monuments and a long tradition of caring for them. Military sites, pithead and dockyard structures, mills and other industrial and agricultural buildings which no longer have a sustainable use can be added to a list which includes medieval abbeys and castles. Lying on the borderline between architecture and archaeology, such monuments are usually roofless, often stripped bare of woodwork and other more perishable contents by previous owners, vandalism and the depredations of the weather. Picked bare, their skeletal remains can demonstrate construction and development particularly clearly and frequently provide unique information about the past. Many are picturesque landmarks or spectacular structures in themselves. Some have dramatic historic associations which may encourage speculation and stimulate the imagination in a special way. The encroachment of nature can contribute to their particular attraction and significance by making them specialized natural habitats for rare flora and fauna

13. Monuments have always been the illustration of wealth and power of a country. But simply possessing them is not enough. Preserving them should be equally prioritised. I am sorry to say that this thought has never struck any of us. “I haven’t built them? So why must I clean them.” Who knows when these mighty structures will crash down? No law, no rule, no force can save our monuments. Only self- realisation can.