Lok Sabha Question No. 3439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Archaeological Exploration by ASI
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Ananta Nayak

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3439

ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## Archaeological Exploration by ASI

3439. Shri Ananta Nayak:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  has  made  any  archaeological exploration  or  expedition  to  identify  and  record  ancient  early  historic  and  medieval inscriptions, prehistoric rock paintings, rock engravings in the country;

(b)  if so, the details thereof and specific plans envisaged and the measures taken  by the Government  for  restoration  and  preservation  of  depleted  ancient  valuables  in  these protected monuments/sites  in  the  country, including in the  State  of  Odisha  and particularly in Kendujhar district;

(c) the details of broader strategy to safeguard and conserve ancient scriptures including temples in the State of Odisha;

(d) whether several ancient/historical monuments, archaeological sites and remains are under encroachment;  and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) Yes, Sir. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regularly conducts archaeological explorations in the country to identify and record the archaeological remains.

(b)  and  (c)  The  ASI  maintains  monuments  under  its  protection.  This  includes  routine conservation,  restoration  and  protection  works  to  ensure  the  longevity  and  integrity  of these  cultural  heritage  sites  of  India  including  Paintings  on  the  rock  locally  known  as Ravana Chhaya and other ancient monuments & remains in Sitabhanji and Daguapasi villages in Kendujhar district of state of Odisha.

(d) and (e) Information on encroachment in monuments and sites and action taken by the ASI in the state of Odisha are given at Annexure.

To  deal  with  cases  of  encroachment  in  monuments  of  National  importance,  ASI  files complaints  with  the  police,  issues  show-cause  notices  to  defaulters  for  removal  of encroachments and issues demolition orders if encroachments are not removed.

--

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) and (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3439 FOR 16.12.2024.

## LIST OF PROTECTED MONUMENT AND PROTECTED AREA UNDER ENCROACHMENT IN THE STATE OF ODISHA

|   Sl. No. | Name of the Monument and site                           | Locality                                                | District        | Nature of encroachment                                                                                          | Action taken for removal                                     |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | Churanga Garh Fort locally known as Sarangarh           | Dadhapatana (Churangarh)                                | Cuttack& Khurda | Within Protected, Prohibited and regulated Area by State Government & Pubic by construction of Modern buildings | Letter to District Collector &Show cause notice to concerned |
|         2 | Ruins of Buddhist temples and images                    | Nalitgiri (Lalitigiri)                                  | Cuttack         | Within Protected, prohibited Zone by Public by construction of Modern buildings & Temple                        | Letter to District Collector                                 |
|         3 | Ruined Fortress                                         | Chaudwar (Agrahat, Bandalas, Chattisa, Govindjew Patna) | Cuttack         | Within Protected Prohibited and regulated Area by State Government & Public by construction of Modern buildings | Letter to District Collector &Show cause notice to concerned |
|         4 | Old hill containing many valuable sculptures and images | Ratnagiri                                               | Jajpur          | Within Protected, Prohibited& Regulated Zone by Public by construction of Modern buildings                      | Stop notice to concerned                                     |
|         5 | Khandagiri and Udaigiri Caves                           | Bhubaneswar                                             | Bhubaneswar     | Construction within protected area                                                                              | The notices issued to the encroachers                        |
|         6 | Sisupalgarh                                             | Bhubaneswar                                             | Bhubaneswar     | Construction within protected area                                                                              | The notices issued to the encroachers                        |

*****