Frequently Asked Questions for:

Q. Who grants approval for archaeological excavation in areas other than protected areas?

Ans. Prior approval of the Central Government is a must for all the archaeological excavations in areas other than protected areas. The approval may be obtained through the Archaeological Survey of India.

Q. Can a State Government undertake excavation for archaeological purposes in areas other than protected area?

Ans. No State Government shall undertake any excavation or other like operation for archaeological purposes in any area which is not a protected area except with the previous approval of the Central Government.

Q. What if any State Government wants to conduct excavation for archaeological purpose?

Ans. Every State Government intending to undertake or authorise any person to undertake any archaeological excavation or other like operation in any area which is not a protected area shall intimate its intention to the Central Government at least three months prior to the proposed date of the commencement of the excavation or operation.It should include following details -name, location and other details of the site; nature of antiquities previously found; details of previous explorations, if any; purpose of the excavation or operation; proposed extent of the excavation or operation; proposed duration of the excavation or operation; and name and status of the Director of the excavation or operation.