The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Tuesday undertook an extensive tour of various archaeological sites of the District including Burzahom, Harwan and Shankaracharya temple to oversee the pace and progress of the ongoing works being executed for preservation and development of ancient archaeological sites.

The DC was accompanied by Superintending Engineer Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Izhar Alam, Chief Planning officer, Srinagar, Mohammed  Yaseen Lone, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Srinagar, Raes Ahmad Bhat, Deputy Director Archaeology, Executive Engineer, R&B, Tehsildars of North, Khanyar and South Srinagar, DFO Wildlife Dachigam and other concerned.

At Burzahom Archaeological site, the Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Dr Izhar Alam Hashmi apprised the Deputy Commissioner about the findings, recorded in cultural deposits representing Neolithic Age human activity in Kashmir based on detailed investigations that cover all aspects of the physical evidence of the site, including the ancient flora and fauna.

On the occasion, the DC was informed about the issues with regard to preservation & development of the Neolithic especially bottlenecks related to fencing work around the site. Tehsildar North also informed that the demarcation process has already been completed. 

DC issued on spot directions to ASI and PWD Engineers to take up the work on priority by completing all codal formalities. 

The DC was informed that the unearthed Antiquities (of art, architecture, customs and rituals) indicate that the Neolithic people of the Burzahom had contacts with Central Asia and East Asia and also had links to the Gangetic plains and peninsular India.

Similarly, at Buddhist monument site Harwan, the DC also had a first hand appraisal of the ongoing works being carried out by ASI for its preservation and development. The DC asked the Officers to accelerate the pace of work to complete the projects in set timelines. The DC also asked Revenue officials to earmark land for development of approach pathways at the site.

On the occasion, the DC also resolved the issue regarding land coming under the ancient site on the spot.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited the Shankaracharya Temple to inspect the works being executed by Archeological Survey of India around the site of Temple like development of green Zone, Facade, etc. 

The DC took stock of the proposed works for construction of the Interpretation Centre for the visitors at the site. He also reviewed action plan for shifting of utilities for establishment of Interpretation centre.