(a) whether the National Marine Research Institute under the control of Scientific and Industrial Research has found an ancient city, under the sea in Mamallapuram/Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to conduct further research in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY)
(a)&(b) There is no institute named ‘National Marine Research Institute’ under the control of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). The constituent laboratory of CSIR- namely National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa has conducted underwater archaeological explorations in Mamallapuram/ Mahabalipuram during March 2016. During the underwater archaeological explorations at 2-3 places well-dressed stone structures were found at water depths of 6-8 meters. All the structural remains were covered with thick marine growth. Survey using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was also carried out on the beach on the southern side of the shore temple of Mamallapuram/ Mahabalipuram. This preliminary survey indicated the presence of ancient structures buried in sand. Collective results indicate the possibility of numerous ancient structures in the vicinity of shore temple buried in sand and sea.
(c)&(d) Yes, Madam. CSIR-NIO will be conducting further underwater
investigations at Mamallapuram/Mahabalipuram.
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