Parliament Question: Conservation and Development of Kalibangan Site

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5813 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF KALIBANGAN SITE †5813. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Kalibangan, located in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, is a significantly vital archaeological site of the world-renowned Indus Valley Civilization, possessing internationally recognized historical and cultural importance;

(b) the details of the ongoing works being executed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the conservation, scientific excavation, research and tourism development of the said site;

(c) whether the Government proposes to develop Kalibangan into a major historical tourism hub including the expansion of the museum, interpretation centre and basic tourist amenities; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the funds sanctioned and utilised for the said purpose so far? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) Ancient Mounds (3) at Kalibangan, located in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, is declared as an archaeological site of national importance under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The site is popularly known for it’s remains dates back to Indus Valley Civilization.

(b) As far as Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is concerned, comprehensive conservation measures have been undertaken at the excavated site of Kalibangan. The works include construction of a defined pathway from the approach road upto the ancient mound to regulate visitor movement and improved accessibility. Provision for increasing the height of the existing boundary wall around the ancient mounds at Kalibangan has also been undertaken.

Further, visitor amenities such as benches, drinking water kiosk, toilet blocks, wheelchairs, Braille signage, cloak room facilities and QR code-based information systems have been

provided to facilitate tourists and improve visitor experience. Awareness programmes are also organised from time to time at the site museum involving local citizens and school students during events such as International Museum Day and World Heritage Week to promote the archaeological importance of Kalibangan. Archaeological excavation was carried out at the site during 2020-21.

(c) Basic tourist amenities are provided at the site for the benefit of tourists. The facilities are also & being upgraded from time to time, subject to requirement and availability of budget, to

(d) enhance visitor experience and promote the site as a major heritage destination. The funds

sanctioned and utilized during last three years are as under: (amount in lakh) Year Allocation Expenditure 2022-23 35.43 35.43 2023-24 6.90 6.90 2024-25 31.63 31.63 *****