Structural
The department makes extra efforts to scientifically protect heritage structures. The department has studied and followed the directives of international organisations like United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) on how to preserve heritage structures.
The preservation and protection of the internationally famous Padmanabhapuram Palace by the department is truly commendable.
In 1964, the department declared East Fort and other forts in the city of Thiruvananthapuram as Protected Monuments. Across the State, the department preserves and protect a large number of the heritage structure, complying to the internationally followed ‘minimal intervention’ policy.
Chemical
Chemical preservation is crucial to prevent decay in objects of archaeology. In 1979, the department set up Regional Conservation Laboratory under the directives of the Central Government. A number of manuscripts, artefacts, paintings, wooden carvings, metal works, etc., are being preserved by the lab. The rare murals across the State are also under the care and preservation of the lab.