With the agricultural activities causing irreparable damage to excavation sites at Rakhigarhi and Rakhishahpur village in Hissar district, Haryana, the Centre has moved to include these sites under its protection. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) last week issued a notification seeking to declare the two mounds, identified as Mound VI and Mound VII at the villages, known for their significant evidence related to the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists regard Rakhigarhi as one of the largest Indus Valley sites, with valuable artifacts and historical evidence excavated since the ASI began its work in the region in 1963.
The need for Central protection measures gained urgency by recent damage to a skeleton by the farmers in the region. It was excavated by ASI excavation team led by its director Dr Sanjay K Manjul. The skeleton, believed to be over 4,000 years old was found in a cemetery at Mound VII.
Currently, Mounds VI and VII are privately owned, necessitating Government acquisition of the land and compensation to the farmers. An ASI official stated that including the sites in the protection list would help preserve historical evidence and ensure that future generations appreciate this ancient civilisation.