UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Ministry of Culture reports that the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India is conducting research at Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Karaikal (Puducherry). Licences for underwater excavation have been granted to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (Poompuhar) and to the Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography (Bet Dwarka, Chhari and Gangata Bet, Gujarat). Budget allocations show Rs 75.40 million (2025‑26) and Rs 66.50 million (2026‑27) for the Wing, with expenditures of Rs 74.91 million and Rs 25.64 million respectively; Tamil Nadu earmarks Rs 7 crore and NIO Rs 20 lakh. A focused training programme has been launched and sites slated for exploration up to 2030 include Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Vijay Durg, Janjira, Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, as disclosed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Rajya Sabha.