Safeguarding Heritage : A Monumental Glory

Contents: Foreword. Opinion (Prof. R.C. Agrawal). Preface. Acknowledgement. 1. Introduction. 2. Sites, monuments and museums. 3. Protective measures. 4. Success factors: i. Physical fitness and selection. ii. Morale. iii. Uniform and kit. iv. Equipment and state-of-the-art Gadgets. v. SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). vi. Training. vii. Drill. viii. Strength. ix. Museum. x. Duties and area surveillance. xi. Sentry post. xii. Drinking water and toilet. xiii. Supervision and relievers. xiv. First-aid. xv. Health and Hygiene. xvi. Liaison with local authorities. 5. Management tips: i. State of the art technology. ii. Lock and key management. iii. Parking area management. iv. Signboards and notice boards. v. Functions and filming operations at heritage sites. vi. Control room. 6. Total security. 7. Important points for the security task force (Staff and management). 8. Role of science branch and epigraphy branch of ASI. 9. Caution and prevention. 10. Conclusion. Appendices: i. Impact of environment on monuments. ii. Disasters. iii. Relevant acts and rules. iv. National Mission on monuments and antiquities. v. World heritage monuments. vi. Museums. vii. Uniform items (male and female). viii. Security items and provisions. ix. Fire fighting equipments and provisions. x. First-aid necessities. Monuments and sites of India inscribed on world heritage list of UNESCO. Index.

"Management of heritage sites has been much talked about subject these days. Heritage sites are also seen as places of tourist interest, thus some states are focusing on "Heritage Tourism". Management of heritage site means it should be kept and maintained in the manner it should attract visitors and they should feel safe and comfortable in visiting them. There are various aspects to this. But, the most important integral aspect is of security and safety of both, the cultural wealth as well as the tourists. Acts and rules may be framed for the purpose and \'Protection Notice Boards\' may be displayed, but a task force is needed to ensure their implementation.

Keeping this in mind the author had tried to explain each and every aspect very clearly for maintaining foolproof security and safety at the heritage sites, monuments and museums; as well as the necessity and importance of security personnel. The book is all about "Management of Heritage Sites from Security Point of View", although references of other agencies are also mentioned which are engaged in preservation of heritage.

It is now for the management and the security agencies to ensure that they implement the security procedures at the heritage sites, monuments and museums in the desired manner and not merely for namesake. Because, security personnel would be first to bear the brunt due to any laxity in security norms.

Heritage is to be preserved and protected for the posterity as an invaluable treasure of the nation, reflecting its glorious past." (jacket)