ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

ASI protected historical monuments and archaeological sites declared polythene free zones All Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected historical monuments and archaeological sites on 6 October 2016 were declared Polythene Free Zones. An advisory has been issued to all State Governments/UTs to support ASI in keeping Monuments Polythene Free up to 300 meters from the protected boundaries of the monuments. In addition, Ministry of Culture sanctioned 350 crores rupees to provide facilities like Protected Boundaries, Toilets and Disabled Friendly Access in all ASI Protected Monuments.   The ASI has ranked top 25 Adarsh Monuments on the basis of cleanliness parameters such as amenities like toilets, green lawns, Polythene Free Zone, signage for awareness, disabilities access, drinking water and provision for garbage bins and more. A World Heritage site Rani ki Vav in Gujarat has been declared as the cleanest iconic place in India. About Rani ki Vav • Rani ki vav is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat. • It is located on the banks of Saraswati River. • It was built as a memorial to an 11th century AD king. • It was added to the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites on 22 June 2014. • It was built in the complex Maru-Gurjara architectural style with an inverted temple and seven levels of stairs and holds more than 500 principle sculptures.