Question : USE OF RADARS

(a) whether the Government proposes to use radars for renovating archaeological sites in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether this technology was used earlier at any other heritage sites in the country;

(d) if so, how far it has proved successful in deciphering data and structure under the soil;

(e) whether such a technology is also proposed to be used in Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand which is the heritage center of the country to decipher the data and structure under the soil; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)

(a) & (b)There is no proposal at present to use Radar technology for renovation purpose as this technology has little usage for renovation purposes.

(c) & (d)Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology at Ayodhya (U.P.), Dholavira, Juni Kuran (both in Gujarat), Sun Temple, Konarak (Orissa) and Red Fort, Delhi. The matter of Ayodhya is sub judice and at the remaining four sites only a preliminary survey was conducted.

(e) & (f)There is no proposal at present to use the technology in the monuments of Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand.