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Published on: Sep 8, 2026

NOAPS Single Window System

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) Online Application Processing System (NOAPS) is a pivotal initiative by the Ministry of Culture for the National Monuments Authority (NMA). This system streamlines the clearance process for construction-related activities within the limits of government-prohibited zones. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 2010, is central to these operations, establishing the NMA and providing clear guidelines for NOC applications.

Understanding the AMASR Act

Implemented in 2010, the AMASR Act is a strategic government measure to prevent unauthorized construction or repair work near protected monuments. Key points include:

  • No construction is allowed within a 100-meter radius of centrally protected monuments.
  • Repair and renovation of existing buildings are allowed but not reconstruction.
  • The NMA acts as the competent authority for issuing recommendations for repairs or renovations in delimited areas.

Role and Responsibility of NMA

The National Monument Authority is an authoritative body established by the Central Government in consultation with State Governments, tasked with significant duties:

  • Safeguarding monuments and sites by managing regulated and prohibited areas around centrally protected monuments.
  • Issuing NOCs for construction-related activities within prohibited and regulated zones.
  • Providing NOCs for construction between 100 to 300 meters from centrally protected monuments.

States Applicable for NOAPS

The NOAPS is available in six states and 517 local bodies. Eligible monuments must have a Color Coded Zonal Map by ISRO for NOC application. The states include:

  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Haryana
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Punjab
  • Telangana
  • Jharkhand

Special Considerations

Large-scale developments, like industrial projects or expansions, require clearance from archaeological departments due to the potential impact on nearby monuments. For additional support, refer to the TIIC Single Window Scheme for comprehensive guidelines on getting approvals in regulated zones.

Building Regulations in Major Cities

Delhi

In Delhi, the building height is limited to 15 meters for residential structures, with an additional 3 meters for towers or rooftop structures. Commercial or institutional buildings require clearances from AAI, Delhi Fire Service, and other statutory bodies.

Mumbai

In Mumbai, building heights must not exceed 75 meters to comply with safety and monument protection regulations. Learn about the Single Window Project to ease compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Procedure for Obtaining an NOC

To acquire an NOC from the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for construction or renovation, follow these steps:

  1. Form-1 Application: Applicants must complete Form-1, available on the NMA website.
  2. Verification by State Authority: The Competent Authority of the state verifies the submitted Form-1.
  3. Completion of Form-2: Post-verification, the Competent Authority completes Form-2.
  4. Submission to NMA: The application is forwarded to the NMA after Form-2 is completed.
  5. Decision Notification: The NMA's decision is updated on the applicant portal or communicated to the Competent Authority within 15-30 days.

Document Requirements

The following documents are necessary for the NOC process:

  • A covering letter from the Competent Authority.
  • Form-1 submitted by the applicant (five copies).
  • Attested ownership documents.
  • Form-2 from the Competent Authority after verification.
  • Inspection Report from the concerned field officer (submitted within 48 hours post-inspection).
  • Google map indicating the construction site and monument location.
  • A structural stability report from a licensed architect or structural engineer for repairs or renovations.
  • Site Plan and elevation details for the proposed construction.
  • Applicant's self-declaration document.
  • If an organization applies, the head's signature is required.
  • Photos of the monument, proposed site, and its vicinity.
  • Property documents for the proposed site.
  • A show-cause notice copy and applicant's response, if construction has commenced or completed.
  • A Heritage Impact Assessment report.

For further assistance, you can use resources like the National Single Window System (NSWS) for streamlined application processes.

Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about NOAPS Single Window System.

The NOAPS (No Objection Certificate (NOC) Online Application Processing System) Single Window System is an online platform initiated by the Ministry of Culture for the National Monuments Authority (NMA). It was set up to ease the clearance process for construction-related work within the limits of the Government protected monuments.
The primary purpose of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 is to prevent the intrusion of construction or repair activities within the prohibited area of 100 meters from centrally protected monuments and sites.
The NMA acts as a competent authority set by the Central Government to protect and preserve monuments and sites by managing the regulated and prohibited areas around centrally protected monuments. It is responsible for granting permission and issuing NOCs for construction-related work like repair or renovation in the prohibited and regulated areas.
The NOAPS facility is currently extended to 6 states: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Jharkhand. To apply for NOC online for construction near a monument, the monument should have a Color Coded Zonal Map of ISRO.
In Delhi, residential buildings can be built up to 15 meters with 3 meters of tower or rooftop structures, while commercial/institutional buildings do not have any height restriction but should have clearance from AAI, Delhi Fire Service, and other statutory bodies. In Mumbai, any buildings cannot exceed the 75-meter range.
The procedure involves filling out Form-1 on the NMA website, verification by the Competent Authority (Form-2), submission to the NMA, and a decision within 15-30 days. The applicant must provide required documents like ownership documents, site plans, and structural stability reports.
The essential documents include a covering letter from the Competent Authority, Form-1 and Form-2, ownership documents, inspection reports, site plans, elevation and floor details, self-declaration, photographs, property documents, show-cause notice (if applicable), and a Heritage Impact Assessment report.
Yes, for large-scale development projects like dams, industries, airports, or expansion programs involving construction by state governments, central governments, or private entities, the respective authorities should get clearance from the Archaeological departments.
No, the AMASR Act does not permit the reconstruction of existing buildings in the prohibited area of 100 meters from centrally protected monuments and sites. However, repairs and renovation of existing buildings in the prohibited area are permitted.
According to the article, the decision made by the NMA will be mentioned in the applicant portal or made available to the Competent Authority within 15-30 days after the submission of the application and required documents.