North Block, to the left of the presidential palace, hosts the home and finance ministries.

The advisory committee is chaired by the additional director general (Architecture) of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and includes representative from the Archaeological Survey of India and the chief architect of the CPWD.

'In order to maintain consistency of approach in all future work, it is necessary to lay down clear technical guidelines to ensure that such heritage buildings are provided with modern amenities to meet the present day requirements, like climate-control and other facilities, without adversely affecting the heritage character and architecture of these buildings,' Soni explained.

Each year, a conservation audit of the two buildings would be undertaken 'to ensure that the protocol and guidelines issued in this regard have been adhered to', Soni said, adding the report would be sent to the concerned ministries for corrective action.

'Separately, a bi-annual conservation audit would be undertaken by a team of three professionals and placed before the cabinet for information,' the minister added.