Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, today chaired a meeting at the DC office here to discuss and facilitate archaeological excavation at Zehanpora in Boniyar tehsil. The meeting was attended by the Director Archives, Archaeology & Museums J&K, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha; Additional District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Ghulam Rasool Mir; Additional Superintendent of Police Baramulla, officers from the Rural development department, Revenue department, and other line departments.
During the meeting, DC was apprised on the archaeological potential of Zehanpora and the need for timely excavation, and protection measures in line with heritage conservation norms. Meeting was informed that the main objectives of the excavation is to search for the probable Mauryan Buddhist remains in Kashmir valley and to include the site in the archaeological/Buddhist map of Kashmir valley for heritage and pilgrimage purposes.
DC assured full administrative support to the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums for carrying out the proposed excavation works. He emphasized the district administration’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural identity and ancient heritage of the region.
Meanwhile, Minga Sherpa directed the concerned tehsildar to promptly verify all relevant land and revenue records pertaining to the excavation site and extend all possible assistance in the demarcation of the land.
DC further instructed the Rural development department to take immediate steps to ensure proper fencing of the site and implement measures to prevent soil erosion, thereby securing the area from any environmental degradation during the course of excavations.