Betting big on Digital India tech prowess, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is increasingly using digital tools such as drones, geographic information systems and laser-based mapping to study and document ancient monuments, to modernise and manages its vast archaeological heritage.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, the Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said modern technologies including LiDAR, GIS and aerial drones are now being used to map, analyse and record archaeological sites and protected monuments.
These tools allow surveyors to capture high-resolution data, identify structural changes and document sites more efficiently than traditional, manual methods.
The use of digital technologies comes alongside changes in staffing and operations at the ASI, which oversees thousands of protected monuments and excavation sites.
The government said staff strength in ASI’s excavation branches has increased from 86 to 102 over the past year, with recruitment carried out through the Union Public Service Commission and Staff Selection Commission, as well as promotions from within the organisation.
Officials said manpower is deployed based on the requirements of ongoing excavation projects, while field staff are provided training through internal programmes to adapt to new tools and methodologies.
In the current financial year, ASI has granted 24 permissions for excavation or exploration, with each project required to submit a detailed technical report upon completion.
While, the technologies such as LiDAR and drone-based surveys are expected to help archaeologists detect buried structures, monitor erosion and assess damage without disturbing sensitive sites, the GIS platforms also allow the integration of historical records, satellite imagery and field data, helping researchers track changes over time and plan conservation work more effectively.
ASI strengthening enforcement around protected monuments
The government said digital tools are used based on project needs and resource availability, suggesting a gradual adoption rather than a blanket rollout. Similar technologies have been increasingly adopted by heritage agencies worldwide to balance preservation with development pressures.
Beyond documentation, ASI is also strengthening enforcement around protected monuments. Encroachments are removed under existing laws, with superintending archaeologists empowered to issue eviction and show-cause notices.
The government said security at selected monuments has been enhanced through the deployment of private guards and the Central Industrial Security Force, alongside regular watch staff.
