Jamshedpur, Feb. 28: Historical monuments and sites of Jharkhand over 100 years old are set to get a fresh lease of life as the state art and culture department approved a plan to preserve buildings of archaeological importance.

The government will bring in a law aimed at preservation of any building, site or artefact, which is more than 100 years old with a historical significance for the state.

According to sources in the state art and culture department, the decision was taken as most buildings falling in this category poorly maintained. ?A large number of such buildings across the state are in such a bad shape, which if neglected for a couple of years more, they will only remain in books and photographs or as miniature models in museums,? said sources.

Officials said, according to the plan, the government will have power to take over and preserve any building or site that is historically significant.

The department will seek permission from the owner to preserve the monument. ?In case the owner of the building or the site is not ready to hand over the place to the state government for preservation, they would not be allowed to make any change in the existing structure without prior permission from the department,? said sources.

Museum curator Umesh Chandra Dwivedi said similar laws exist in other states.

The proposed legislation, Jharkhand ancient monuments and archaeological sites, remains and artefacts act 2005, will give the department the power to preserve and protect the buildings and sites.

He said some of the important buildings that will be saved from further damage include places and fortress of ruling families of Ratu, Seraikela and Kharsawan, which are more than 500 years old.

?The efforts of the department will be to preserve the ancient identity of these monuments by declaring them as historical sites for the state,? said Dwivedi.

He said the department would also take help from archaeological experts to restore the building and site, which have been damaged due to neglect or those residing in and around the monument.