ASI protected monuments: Fee entry to all ancient monuments and sites till THIS date - All you need to know

ASI protected monuments: The Union Culture Ministry has announced free entry to all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Protected Monuments across the country. Free entry will be allowed till August 15. The decision has been taken as a part of the Modi government's 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' commemorating the 75th year of India's Independence.

"No fee shall be charged at all the ticketed Centrally protected monuments / Archaeological Sites & Remains in the Second Schedule of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959 as well as all Archaeological Site Museums from 5 August, 2022 to15 August, 2022," the ASI said in a circular issued on Wednesday.

As part of 'Azadi ka #AmritMahotsav' and #75thindependenceday celebrations, no fees shall be charged from visitors (both domestic and foreign) at all ticketed Centrally Protected Monuments/Museums/Archaeological Sites & Remains, from 5th August 2022 to 15th August, 2022. https://t.co/j2JnKfuLGb

— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) August 3, 2022

"As part of 'Azadi ka #AmritMahotsav' and 75th I-Day celebrations, @ASIGoI has made Entry Free for the visitors/tourists to all its protected monuments/sites across the country, from 5th -15th August, 2022," G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister For Culture, Tourism And Development Of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had said in a Tweet on August 3.

The ASI said that Tricolour will be unfurled at 150 heritage sites across India on Independence Day to mark the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, according to a PTI report which quoted an Archaeological Survey of India official. Also, 150 centrally-protected monuments will be illuminated in Tricolour, according to the official.

It also said that as part of the celebrations for the 75th year of Independence, the ASI will hoist the National Flag at 150 monuments across the country. There are a total of 3,693 heritage sites in India protected by the ASI. Also, the 37 circles of ASI will conduct different programmes such as tree plantation drives, school 'samvaads', lectures, and raising awareness among school children, the statement said, a PTI report added.

Freedom fighters and Padma awardees will attend the programmes and flag hoisting ceremony, the PTI reported.