2.42 Excavations in areas other than protected areas
2.42.1 Bare Act Provision:
22. Excavations in areas other than protected areas.―Where an archaeological officer has reason to believe that any area not being a protected area contains ruins or relies of historical or archaeological importance, he or an officer authorised by him in this behalf may, after giving notice in writing to the Collector and the owner, enter upon and make excavations in the area.
2.42.2 Interpretation and explanation:
Section 22 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, governs excavations in areas not designated as protected areas but suspected to contain archaeological remains. If an archaeological officer believes that an area, which is not already a protected area under the AMASR Act, contains ruins or artifacts of historical or archaeological significance, they or someone they authorize can enter the area and conduct excavations.[1] Before doing so, they must send a written notice to the Collector and the owner of the land. This provision enables proactive archaeological exploration in non-protected areas to uncover and preserve potential heritage sites, ensuring that significant ruins or relics are not overlooked, while respecting property rights through mandatory notification to landowners and local authorities.
Reference:
[1] Working Group Report on Improving Heritage Management in India, Niti Aayog, 2019
Image credit: https://x.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY
Know more about Temple Laws ….
