Established in 1861, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) functions as an attached office of the Department of Culture. The major activities of ASI are: Survey of archaeological remains and excavations; Maintenance and conservation of centrally protected monuments, sites and remains; Chemical preservation of monuments and antiquarian remains; Architectural survey of monuments; Development of epigraphical research and numismatic studies; Setting up and reorganization of site museums; Expedition abroad; Training in Archaeology and Publication of technical report and research works. Under the Ancient Monuments and archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the ASI has declared 3667 monuments/sites to be of national importance in the country which includes 21 sites that are inscribed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. !Conservation and Preservation of Monuments The conservation, preservation, maintenance and development of environs around centrally protected sites are ASI’s prime tasks. Structural repairs of a special nature and day-to-day maintenance is looked after by the 24 circle offices located in different parts of the country. Greater emphasis is given for the development of cultural tourism integrating with the monuments. For this purpose, cultural hubs encompassing facilities for tourists such as information centers, public conveniences, modern ticket counters, better signage and drinking water facilities etc. have been created at monuments inscribed in the World Heritage List and other important and more frequented monuments. ASI has undertaken about 1700 schemes (works) for structural conservation, chemical preservation and horticulture operations based on the priorities, commitments and financial resources. Emphasis is also given to provision of tourist amenities to the World Heritage Sites and the ticketed monuments. After successful completion of the Phase-I of the Ajanta-Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project with loan assistance from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), the works for Phase-II have been taken up. An integrated programme of comprehensive conservation, chemical preservation and overall environment development of Ajanta, Ellora, Pitalkhora and Aurangabad caves, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Patnadevi Temple and Lonar group of temples has been taken up in Phase-II of the project with an outlay of Rs.37.68 crores. ASI has incurred an expenditure of Rs.20.3 crores upto March 2009 on the project and a provision of Rs.8 crores has been made for it during the year 2009-2010. Also, ASI contributes towards the conservation and restoration of the Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia under the ITEC programme of the Ministry of External Affairs. Archaeological Survey of India has conducted scientific studies and investigations pertaining to structural, geo-technical, water stagnation and arboriculture aspects of this temple. Conservation work at three locations is in progress in accordance with the Project Implementation Programme approved by the International Coordination Committee and APSARA National Authority.