Question : ROCK CAVE PAINTINGS

(a) whether the Archaeological Survey of India proposes excavation and preservation of the Rock Cave Paintings, findings of the Muragurta Valley Civilization, the Chousat Yojini Temple, the Rahipur-Jhariol Group of Temples and Jumlagarh Fort in Kalahandi and Naupada districts of Orissa for cultural prosperity;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government proposes to undertake excavation, restoration and preservation of unearthed artifacts found at various archaeological sites along the Mahanadi and Telvalley in Kalahandi and Naupada districts in Orissa; and

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the funds allocated therefor during 2006-2007?

MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)

(a) & (b) The Archaeological Survey of India has no proposal for excavation at any of these sites in the current field season. Of the above sites, the Chousath Yogini temple, District Bolangir (Orissa) is a centrally protected monument which is preserved and maintained as per archaeological norms.

(c) There is no such proposal at present.

(d) Question doesn’t arise.