Parliament Question: Excavation and Conservation Activities in Nalanda

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5906 ANSWERED ON-30.03.2026 EXCAVATION AND CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IN NALANDA ✝5906. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether adequate funds and resources are being provided to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for excavation and conservation activities in Nalanda by the Government; (b) whether a specialized team comprising experienced archaeologists, draftsmen, surveyors and photographers has been constituted by the Government for the said activities; (c) whether it is true that the Government, by involving local communities in the said activities is likely to provide local employment opportunities and ensure public participation heritage conservation thereof; (d) whether it is also true that Nalanda is likely to be developed as a major global tourist destination by conserving archaeological integrity through the said excavation and conservation activities; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) Government is providing adequate funds and resources to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for archaeological excavations and conservation work in Nalanda. (b) ASI has a well experienced team for excavation and conservation work. (c) Local communities are involved in excavations and conservation work, which provide employment to local people alongwith enabling them to participate in the preservation of heritage. (d) and (e) Nalanda has come up as a popular tourist destination, achieved through archaeological excavation, conservation of ancient structures, landscaping and environmental development for better presentation of monuments to visitors, providing various visitors facilities etc. Further, Considering its Outstanding Universal Values, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed Nalanda on the World Heritage List in the year 2016. *****