The Union government is working to develop 15 archaeological excavation sites of historical importance into tourist “experience centres”, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Responding to questions during the Question Hour, the minister said the initiative aims to make archaeological sites more accessible and engaging for the public while preserving their historical significance.
“Earlier excavation sites used to be closed after scientific excavation but the Union Budget this year has made provision to develop archaeological sites into experience centres,” Shekhawat said.
“We are working to develop 15 sites of archaeological importance into experience centres,” he added.
Focus on Odisha’s Diamond Triangle
The minister was responding to a query from Sulata Deo regarding restoration and development of monuments in Odisha’s famed Buddhist circuit known as the Diamond Triangle.
Shekhawat said the region holds immense archaeological significance. He noted that during a recent excavation at Udayagiri, a major relic associated with Lord Buddha was discovered.
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He added that the state government can approach the Centre to seek support under existing schemes for developing such sites into tourist destinations.
During the discussion, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the government to focus on Buddhist heritage sites located along the Bhima River and Krishna River.
He also called for more archaeological excavations in the region, particularly in Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga).
Kharge stressed that the area has significant historical value and that further exploration could uncover important cultural remains.
During the Question Hour, Ashok Kumar Mittal asked the government about steps being taken to conserve historic gurdwaras outside India.
In response, Shekhawat said the government runs schemes aimed at preserving India’s cultural heritage abroad, irrespective of religion.
“I want to bring this to the notice of the honourable member that it is during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which is on the other side (in Pakistan), is available for the people of India for darshan,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting and promoting India’s cultural and religious heritage both within the country and overseas.
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