Bhubaneswar: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out excavations at two heritage sites in Odisha, with a reported expenditure of Rs 58.79 lakh, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday in a written reply.
According to the minister, the ASI is undertaking excavations at the Sari Deul Complex in the Bhubaneswar locality of Khordha district and the Ashok Rock Inscription (Fort Jaugada) at Pandya in Purushottampur, Ganjam district.
The expenditure reported for the Sari Deul Complex stands at Rs 24,28,505, while Rs 34,51,306 has been allocated for the excavation at the Ashok Rock Inscription (Fort Jaugada). The combined expenditure on the two ongoing projects is Rs 58,79,811.
The minister also informed Parliament that the ASI has carried out 121 archaeological projects across the country during the last five years. Excavations have unearthed structural remains, burials, pottery and a range of antiquities, including coins, beads, ornaments, agricultural tools and bone objects. Recovered samples are sent to scientific institutions for validation whenever required, according to an official statement.
Shekhawat further said there has been no court order regarding the continuation or closure of any archaeological project undertaken by the ASI during the last five years.
The two Odisha sites are among the ongoing excavation projects aimed at documenting and preserving the country’s archaeological heritage through scientific exploration and research.
