Centre sets up panel to review Saraswati plan

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) identified 30 sites for excavation apart from eight other sites for exploration, and work had begun almost immediately.

But as part of its midway review of projects, the Culture Ministry manadarins have directed the in-house committee to curtail the scope of the project and trim it down so as to narrow its focus and streamline its direction.

While the temptation to shut down the project is real, sources say excavations conducted along the mythical river route have thrown up several discoveries of pre- and mature-Harappan sites. ‘‘There was no doubt there is an ancient route out there, which was well known,’’ says a source, ‘‘and excavations have been going on for several years, but Jagmohan’s attempt to build tourist hubs and develop it as a spiritual route is being reviewed.’’

Ministry officials cite the huge backlog the ASI has piled up over the years as a reason for reducing the scope of the Saraswati Heritage Project. ‘‘The ASI has been directed to document and report on the Saraswati excavations conducted so far,’’ says a senior official, ‘‘but it is a fact that the project’s scope has been curtailed as it was too vast and expansive, so as to make it more coherent.’’

Officials also say they sought Jagmohan’s view before setting off on the slimming exercise.