Content: Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 Introduction The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 3.0 is scheduled from February 15-24, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with other ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Aims to celebrate and strengthen civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). Aligns with NEP 2020, emphasizing the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern education. Participants include scholars, students, artisans, traders, artists, and professionals from Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Relevance : GS 1(Culture and Heritage) Significance of KTS 3.0 Special Highlights in 2025: Participants will witness the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Expansion of youth participation, with an additional 200 Tamil-origin students from Central Universities. Aims to foster cultural awareness, knowledge-sharing, and academic discourse. Delegates & Categories 1000 Delegates from Tamil Nadu will be invited under five categories: Students, Teachers, and Writers Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks Startups, Innovation, Edu-Tech, and Research Honoring Sage Agasthyar’s Legacy Key theme for KTS 3.0: Contributions of Sage Agasthyar. Significant Contributions: Siddha Medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa) Classical Tamil Literature Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Polity, and Art Agasthyar is revered as the first grammarian of Tamil and is worshipped in Java and Sumatra. Exhibition on Sage Agasthyar at KTS 3.0, highlighting his scholarly achievements. Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Discourse Aims and Objectives: Strengthening literary, spiritual, and artistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Promoting academic and research-based interactions. Showcasing traditional art forms, crafts, and cuisine. Encouraging Tamil students to explore the historical significance of Kashi. Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Evolution Over the Years KTS 1.0 (2022): Held from November 16 to December 16, 2022. 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu visited Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. KTS 2.0 (2023): Held from December 17-30, 2023, at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on December 17, 2023. Real-time app-based translation of PM’s speech into Tamil for delegates. Conclusion KTS 3.0 continues the legacy of fostering cultural and intellectual ties. Strengthens the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative by celebrating India’s linguistic and spiritual unity. Encourages cross-cultural exchanges, youth participation, and knowledge integration. Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites Introduction India’s cultural and archaeological heritage is vast, spanning from ancient temples to historic ruins. These sites represent India’s rich history, traditions, and architectural brilliance. Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to these heritage sites. The Government of India, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other bodies, is actively working on conservation and protection efforts. Relevance : GS 1(Culture Heritage) , GS 2(Governance) Role of ASI in Monument Protection Established in 1861, ASI is responsible for 3,698 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. Governed under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958). ASI’s conservation programs focus on minimal intervention to maintain authenticity. Factors contributing to monument decay: Climate change Encroachments and pollution Structural instability Quarrying and natural disasters ASI operates through 37 Circle offices and 1 Mini Circle for conservation and environmental development. Increased Funding for Conservation Budget allocation for ASI increased by 70% from ₹260.90 crores (2020–21) to ₹443.53 crores (2023–24). Funds are used for: Conservation projects Climate resilience strategies Security enhancements Monitoring and research initiatives Measures to Counter Environmental Threats Regular Monitoring: Heritage sites are continuously monitored to assess climate change impacts. Climate-Resilient Solutions: Adoption of scientific treatments for monument preservation. Automated Weather Stations (AWS): Set up in collaboration with ISRO to monitor weather patterns affecting monuments. Air Pollution Monitoring: Air Pollution Laboratories at sites like the Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Inter-Agency Coordination: ASI collaborates with other government agencies to ensure cohesive heritage conservation. International Collaboration: Participation in global workshops on “Disaster Management of Cultural Heritage Sites” with NDMA and UNESCO. Disaster Management Guidelines: National Disaster Management Guidelines include risk assessment and recovery plans. Legal and Security Measures for Heritage Protection Legal Protection: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 ensures legal safeguards. Encroachment Control: Superintending Archaeologists authorized to issue eviction notices under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Security Measures: Deployment of CISF and private security personnel for protection. Conservation Policy: National Conservation Policy (2014) guides ASI’s efforts. Penalties for Damage: Section 30 of the 1958 Act imposes fines and legal action for damage to protected sites. Conclusion The preservation of India’s cultural heritage is a multi-faceted effort requiring sustained funding, strategic planning, and climate resilience. ASI’s proactive approach, in collaboration with other agencies, ensures the protection of India’s historical legacy. With legal frameworks, monitoring, and conservation efforts, India’s heritage will remain safeguarded for future generations