Declaring Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira, Bhachau, Kachchh District as an archaeological site and remains of National Importance under the provisions of AMASR Act, 1958

## Report on Declaration of Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira as Archaeological Site and Remains of National Importance **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India, declaring the Ancient Quarry Sites in Dholavira, Tehsil Bhachau, District Kachchh, State Gujarat, as an archaeological site and remains of national importance. The core purpose, as stated in the text, is to officially recognize and protect these sites under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Key findings indicate the completion of the declaration process, the identification of the site's boundaries, and the designation of the Archaeological Survey of India as responsible for its preservation. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a government notification pertaining to the declaration of Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira as an archaeological site and remains of national importance. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy establishing protection for the Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to officially declare and protect the Ancient Quarry Sites in Dholavira as an archaeological site and remains of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The policy addresses the need to protect historically and culturally significant ancient quarry sites. The declaration is likely driven by a desire to preserve these sites from potential damage, destruction, or neglect and to ensure their long-term conservation for research and public appreciation. The "Whereas" clauses indicate that a prior notification expressing intent to declare the site was issued, fulfilling a procedural requirement, and that no public objections were received, facilitating the final declaration. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * **Declaration:** The Central Government declares the Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira, as an archaeological site and remains of national importance. * **Site Identification:** The notification specifies the location and boundaries of the site in a Schedule, providing details of the district, tehsil, locality, revenue survey numbers, area (in square meters and hectares), and boundary descriptions (North, South, East, West). The sites are identified as "Ancient Quarry Site I" and "Ancient Quarry Site II". * **Ownership:** The land is noted as being owned by the Forest Department, Government of Gujarat. * **Legal Basis:** The declaration is made in exercise of powers conferred by subsection 3 of section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders include: * **Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):** The ASI is the primary agency responsible for the preservation and management of the declared site. * **Government of Gujarat (Forest Department):** As the land owner, the Government of Gujarat is a key stakeholder. * **Local Community:** The local community of Dholavira, Tehsil Bhachau, District Kachchh, Gujarat. * **Researchers and Historians:** Those with an interest in the historical and archaeological significance of the Dholavira site. * **Public:** The declaration aims to ensure the site's preservation for public benefit and access. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the primary responsible agency, as indicated by the Ministry of Culture's involvement. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text mentions that a prior notification was issued on January 12, 2021, with a two-month notice period for public objections. As no objections were received, the final declaration was made on August 22, 2022. * **Specific Actions:** The ASI is expected to take actions to protect, preserve, and manage the site, potentially including fencing, signage, conservation efforts, and research activities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The likely intended outcomes include: * Enhanced protection and preservation of the Ancient Quarry Sites in Dholavira. * Prevention of unauthorized construction or alteration of the site. * Facilitation of archaeological research and documentation. * Promotion of tourism and public awareness of the site's significance. * Compliance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. **9. Conclusion:** The notification declaring the Ancient Quarry Sites, Dholavira, as an archaeological site and remains of national importance is a significant step towards protecting and preserving this culturally valuable site. It establishes the legal framework for the Archaeological Survey of India to implement measures for its conservation and management, ensuring its long-term preservation for future generations. The declaration underscores the importance of safeguarding India's archaeological heritage.

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