Question : ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS

(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to locate/identify new archaeological monuments/sites with a view to promote culture;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of ancient archaeological monuments identified in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) whether there are several archaeologically important sites in the country which are yet to be explored; and

(e) if so, the time by which the exploration work on the same is likely to be taken up?

MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND MINISTER OF CULTURE(KUMARI SELJA)

(a),(b)& (c) The Central Government does not have a scheme to locate or identify new archaeological monuments/sites for promotion of culture. But, as a part of its overall functions, the Archaeological Survey of India during occasional explorations comes across certain monuments/sites and of which a few merit consideration for declaration as of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 provided they meet the criterion laid therein viz.,(i) The ancient monument or archaeological site is not less than 100 years old; (ii) It has special historical, archaeological or artistic interest, making it worthy of declaration as of national importance;(iii) It qualifies under the provisions of definition as contained under section 2(a) and (d) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958; (iv) The interested public do not have major objections on the intention of the Central Government to declare them as of national importance; (v) The authenticity and integrity of the ancient monument or archaeological site and remains have not been damaged; and (vi) It is free from major encumbrances. The details of such monuments/sites, which have been proposed by various individuals/agencies during the last three years are annexed. (Annexure)

(d)&(e) Yes, Sir. The exploration of archaeologically important sites is an ongoing process and several universities, research institutions, State Departments of Archaeology and the Archaeological Survey of India take up explorations every year throughout the country keeping in view the archaeological problems after obtaining the approval of the Standing Committee of the Central Advisory Board on Archaeology and hence no time–limit could be fixed for completion of explorations.