The Ministry of Culture provided details of archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country. During the last five years, ASI has conducted 121 excavation projects with permission issued year-wise: 24 in 2021-22, 31 in 2022-23, 19 in 2023, 22 in 2024, and 25 in 2025.
Currently, 16 ongoing excavation sites are active across various states with total expenditure of approximately ₹8.5 crore. The highest expenditure has been incurred at Rakhigarhi, Haryana (₹2,16,25,300), followed by Agroha, Haryana (₹1,26,51,272) and Dwarka, Gujarat (₹1,00,54,958). Other significant expenditures include Morabandar area of Elephanta Island, Maharashtra (₹99,17,321) and Vallabhipur Taluka sites in Bhavnagar, Gujarat (₹93,34,443).
Excavations have unearthed structural remains, burials, pottery, and antiquities including coins, beads, ornaments, agricultural tools, and bone objects. As per standard practice, samples are sent to various institutions for scientific validation when required. The ministry confirmed that no court orders have been issued regarding the continuation or closure of any archaeological projects during the last five years.
This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha on July 20, 2026.