What is DCHS

The Department of Culture in the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs remains the central agency in the country responsible for the preservation and promotion of Bhutan's culture and heritage. In the Department of Culture, the Division for Conservation of Heritage Sites (DCHS) is the key office that is responsible for the protection of heritage sites and the sustainability of cultural landscape of Bhutan.

Mission

Policy and Research
- Formulation of policies, rules and regulations, and guidelines for protection of Heritage Sites and sustainability of Cultural   Landscapes.
- National Inventory and record keeping of heritage sites in the country.
- Researches related to the protection of Heritage Sites and the sustainability of Cultural Landscapes.

Protection work
- Appraisal, approval and monitoring of projects concerning heritage sites that are implemented in the country.
- Advise Dzongkhag Administrations, Thromdes and other relevant agencies on matters concerning Heritage Buildings and   their protection.
- Co-ordination with other organisations with regard to plans and projects concerning protection of Bhutan's heritage sites.

Programme
- Organisation of awareness raising and training programs on the protection of Heritage Sites and the sustainability of Cultural   Landscapes.
- Promotion of traditional techniques and materials, and practices of intangible heritage associated with Heritage Sites.
- Co-ordination with foreign donors with regard to projects concerning Bhutan's heritage sites.

Core Services

a) adopt policies, rules and regulations, and guidelines for protection of Heritage Sites and sustainability of Cultural Landscapes;
b) prepare, maintain and update a register for Heritage Sites;
c) issue approval/clearance, assess and monitor any works related to conservation or development of Heritage Sites;This also includes approving construction of new lhakhangs/stupas/etc.;
d) advise Dzongkhag Administrations, Thromdes and other relevant agencies on matters concerning Heritage Sites and their protection;
e) advise and coordinate with the Planning Authorities, Dzongkhag Administrations, Thromdes and other bodies at all levels on such matters for the purpose of sustaining Cultural Landscape;
f) coordinate and direct excavation of Archaeological Sites;
g) initiate and undertake programs of research related to the protection of heritage sites;
h) develop and conduct awareness raising programs on the protection of heritage sites;
i) promote development and application of traditional techniques and materials, and practices of intangible heritage associated with heritage sites