New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) - The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently responsible for the protection of 3,686 centrally protected monuments, bolstered by enhanced conservation strategies, scientific restoration techniques, and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to an official fact-sheet released on Saturday.

India has significantly expanded its global heritage profile with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the recent inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes.

“The preservation of heritage and monuments has evolved through extensive digitization, the establishment of national heritage databases, and a broader implementation of scientific and digital tools for documentation and conservation,” stated the fact-sheet.

Notably, technology has emerged as a vital component in India’s conservation ecosystem, enhancing ASI’s traditional methodologies with tools designed to improve documentation, diagnostics, and sustainable preservation.

Modern technologies such as LiDAR scanning, GIS-based mapping, and drone surveys are employed as needed for thorough documentation. An increasing reliance on scientific laboratory techniques has been observed to analyze heritage materials, comprehend deterioration patterns, and identify the most effective conservation treatments.

“At the same time, India has broadened the use of digital and spatial technologies that facilitate precise recording and proactive conservation planning,” the statement added.

Essential tools currently utilized in heritage documentation and evaluation include 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, drone surveys, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

In conjunction with these advancements, the government has initiated the integration of AI into the wider cultural and heritage framework, particularly focusing on digitization, documentation, and the accessibility of cultural assets. AI-powered platforms are being employed to process and organize vast amounts of heritage data, encompassing manuscripts and cultural knowledge systems, thereby improving public access through digital interfaces and language technologies.

Importantly, drone surveys have been conducted in partnership with institutions like the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), showcasing the collaborative efforts of scientific institutions in heritage conservation.

“India’s increasing stature on the global heritage map is a testament to the country’s capability to present its cultural legacy with renewed assurance,” the statement concluded.