New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India has launched a new website, SAHMAT, which makes it easier for tourists to get approvals for filming and photography at historic monuments.
“Planning a film shoot, photography project, cultural event, or visitor amenities at an ASI-protected monument? Now, getting permissions is easier than ever,” read a post on X by ASI.
The newly launched SAHMAT website offers a secure, transparent, and user-friendly digital workflow that enables applicants to submit requests, track application status, and access approvals online. The acronym SAHMAT stands for “system for approval at historic monuments of ASI with transparency”.
Through this new website, visitors can apply online for filming, photography, events, and amenities-related permissions, track applications in real-time, and receive approvals seamlessly.
“Less paperwork. More transparency. Faster access to India’s iconic heritage sites,” said the ASI post.
Planning a film shoot, photography project, cultural event, or visitor amenities at an ASI-protected monument?
Now, getting permissions is easier than ever!
Introducing SAHMAT – ASI’s new digital portal that enables you to apply online for filming, photography, events, and… pic.twitter.com/0EBV9I3gWH
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) June 12, 2026
How SAHMAT works
A user must follow five steps to gain approval via SAHMAT: registration, application, fee payment, application review, and certificate grant.
“A digital platform by the Archaeological Survey of India for obtaining permissions at protected monuments and sites and archaeological site museums,” read the website.
ASI provides detailed guidelines for obtaining permissions for filming, photography, events, and amenities.
Across India, more than 3,600 monuments and sites—comprising forts, temples, tombs, caves, palaces, and mosques—fall under the jurisdiction of ASI.
Additionally, ASI manages 46 site museums, and new guidelines have been issued for filming and photography at the locations.
The guidelines state that photography is open to the public without a tripod, monopods, or a flashlight. If one wants to photograph with a tripod, a request must be made at least 15 days before the visit.
“The photography and filming shall be carried out only in the presence of the concerned museum in-charge,” the guidelines said.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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