ASI notice to Namdhari Shaheedi Smarak management for illegal construction near Ram Bagh

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a formal notice to the Namdhari Shaheedi Smarak in Amritsar for carrying out unauthorised construction activity within the prohibited zone of the ASI-protected monument, Ram Bagh, also known as Ram Bagh Deodi.

According to the notice issued by the ASI Sub-Division, Amritsar, officials found that a new shed was being constructed barely 20 metres from the boundary of the protected site during an inspection on October 6, 2025. The area falls within the 100-metre “prohibited zone” of the historic Ram Bagh monument, where any form of construction, renovation or repair work is strictly banned under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and its subsequent amendments. The notice clearly states that any such construction without prior permission from the competent authority, the Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology, and Museums, Government of Punjab, is a punishable offence. Violations of the law can attract imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or both.

The ASI has directed the Namdhari Shaheedi Smarak management to immediately halt all construction activities and refrain from undertaking any further renovation or repair work until due authorisation is obtained. The agency also reminded that permissions for construction or reconstruction are not granted within the prohibited 100-metre radius of any protected monument. However, the notices pasted on the gate of Smarak has recently torn.