ASI received 121 nods for archaeological projects in five years, says Union Govt

There were 121 instances when permission was granted for the ASI to carry out archaeological projects in the country in the last five years, the Government informed Parliament on Monday.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the data in a written response to a query in Lok Sabha.

He was also asked for details of any court orders regarding the continuance or closure of any archaeological projects during the last five years and the action taken thereof.

“There is no court order regarding the continuation or closure of any archaeological projects during the last five years,” Shekhawat said.

There are 3,686 centrally protected monuments and sites under the care and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country.

The Union Minister was also asked about the sites where the ASI is doing excavation across the country along with expenditure incurred thereon and the timeline set for completion of works; and the details of historical findings discovered from the archaeological projects carried out during the last five years and scientific validations thereof.

In tabulated data, he shared that 121 instances of permission were issued for carrying out archaeological projects by the ASI in the last five years.

In 2021-22, as many as 24 instances of permission were issued, while in 2022-23, the figure stood at 31; and for 2024 and 2025, the numbers stood at 22 and 25, respectively.

“During excavation, structural remains, burials, pottery and antiquities such as coins, beads, ornaments, agricultural tools, bone objects, etc. have been unearthed and, as per set practice, samples are sent to various institutions for scientific validations whenever required,” the minister added.