(a) whether the Government has received any request from the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) regarding establishment of a branch of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Amaravati the new capital of Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any action has been taken on the request of AP Government in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. A request for division of Hyderabad Circle Office of Archaeological Survey of India into Hyderabad Circle Office and Amaravathi Circle Office was received from the Chairman, Amaravathi Development Authority, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
(c) & (d) ASI has established a new Circle with its Headquarter at Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh bifurcating its Hyderabad Circle, vide Notification No.4-4/2015-Plg.&HRD, dated 7.6.2016. Both the Circles, i.e. Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad, Telangana shall function from the existing premises at Hyderabad until the capital of Andhra Pradesh is shifted to Amaravathi.