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This Act provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains.The Government will have the power to declare monuments to be protected monuments and to declare archaeological sites and remains to be protected areas. The Director may, with the sanction of the Government, purchase, take lease or assume the guardianship of any protected monument, for its protection or preservation. The Government may also enter into a written agreement with the owner of any protected monument for its maintenance and preservation. In addition, the Central Government may impose restrictions on proprietary rights in protected areas or may acquire a protected area for public purposes.The Act further provides for: granting of licences for excavation activities in protected areas; compulsory acquisition of antiquities for their preservation; compensation for loss or damage; establishment of the Delhi Archaeological Advisory Council; offences and penalties; etc.