**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1331, addressed on July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Culture provides details regarding archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka. The government, through the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has initiated a new round of underwater and onshore archaeological explorations at these sites, commencing in February 2025 (Dwarka) and March 2025 (Beyt Dwarka). This follows previous investigations conducted at Dwarka from 2005 to 2007.
The UAW is receiving dedicated funding for this research, with an allocation of INR 1 million in 2024-2025 and a planned allocation of INR 5 million for 2025-2026. Funds are being used for procurement of equipment including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), underwater cameras, high quality life jackets, and diving suits. The UAW is also increasing the number of trained archaeologists within ASI.
To expand and strengthen underwater archaeological research nationally, the government has organized two training programs: one for ASI officers/officials in March 2025, and another for employees of State Archaeology Departments and Indian Universities in July 2025. A training module for students and scholars has also been developed.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Dwarka: An ancient city located in Gujarat, India, known for its submerged archaeological remains.
Beyt Dwarka: An island near Dwarka in Gujarat, India, also significant for underwater archaeological findings.
SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM: A member of parliament who posed the question about archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who answered the question in the Lok Sabha.
Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW): A specialized unit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) responsible for underwater archaeological research and exploration.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): An Indian government agency attached to the Ministry of Culture, responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1331
ANSWERED ON-28.07.2025
ARCHAEOLEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS AT DWARKA AND BEYT DWARKA
1331. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has initiated a new round of underwater and onshore
archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether a dedicated fund has been allocated to the Underwater Archaeology Wing
(UAW) for archaeological research and exploration in Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has any plans to expand and strengthen underwater
archaeological research across the nation; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) Yes Sir. The Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI) had carried out scientific investigations at Dwarka from 2005 to 2007.
Underwater and onshore archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka have
again started since February 2025.
(b) The team of UAW started initial offshore exploration at Dwarka in February 2025, followed
by onshore exploration at Beyt Dwarka in March 2025. Besides imparting training to more
archaeologists in ASI, procurement of equipments like Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV),
underwater cameras, high quality life jackets and diving suits to be used for the purpose has
been taken up.
(c) and (d) Required funds are provided to UAW.
2024-2025: 10 lakhs
2025-2026: 50 lakhs --(e) and (f) Yes Sir. To expand and strengthen underwater archaeological research
across the nation, two training programmes were organized for officers/ officials of ASI
in March 2025 and for employees of State Archaeology Departments and Indian
Universities in July 2025. A module for training course for the students and scholars has
also been prepared.
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