Chief Secretary visits Rakhigarhi, asks officials to remove encroachments

Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi visited the iconic Harappan site of Rakhigarhi today and observed the ongoing excavation being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the district.

During a meeting at the site, he directed district officials to ensure the smooth relocation of families residing in protected areas to houses built by the government for their rehabilitation. He also directed them to ensure the removal of all encroachments on the site to preserve its integrity.

Joshi also explored various excavation sites, including mount numbers one, three, and four on the historical location, which has been divided and notified into seven segments by the ASI. He also inspected the under-construction museum.

He was shown ancient artifacts and structures excavated by archaeologists in the recent past. He said preservation of the site was very important and needed to be promoted at the national and international level. “The site reflects India's rich heritage. The artifacts in the museum showcase culture, traditions and the lifestyle of ancient India,” he said. He directed the officials to ensure timely completion of pending work at the museum. Artifacts like earthen pots, terracotta items, tools, and human skeletons unearthed during the excavation will be displayed in the museum.

The ASI Joint Director, Dr Sanjay Manjul, told Joshi about the significant findings from the excavation, including advanced architectural and urban planning of the Harappan civilisation. He said evidence suggested that Rakhigarhi, which spanned about 350 acres and was home to 3,000 to 4,000 people, had been developed along the lines of modern cities like Chandigarh. “The site features a well-planned drainage system, large storage vessels for waste disposal, and two-story houses with ventilation systems,” he stated.

A significant discovery on mound number three resembles a stadium, indicating the architectural ability of the people in those times. Besides, the remains of a riverbed near the site also indicated an ancient water source vital to the settlement.