States » NorthPosted at: Oct 20 2026 12:04AM


Haryana plans Rs 188-crore museum development at ancient Rakhigarhi site

Hansi, Oct 19 (UNI) Haryana plans an estimated Rs 188-crore next phase of development for the museum and interpretation centre at Rakhigarhi, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said today, outlining efforts to strengthen archaeological research, attract tourists and secure international recognition for the ancient settlement.
Inaugurating the seven-day Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, Saini said civil construction of the museum and interpretation centre was nearly complete. The government was also pursuing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the site and envisaged a Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation Corridor connecting important archaeological destinations, he said.
Rakhigarhi is one of the largest known settlements of the Harappan civilisation, with evidence spanning its early and mature phases. Excavations have uncovered planned housing, drainage systems, seals, pottery and craft objects, providing an important window into ancient urban life, technology and trade.
“The soil of Rakhigarhi preserves the labour and craftsmanship of our ancestors and the memories of a developed civilisation,” Saini said. “The government is committed to strengthening its conservation, research, tourism and public participation.”
An international conference during the festival would bring together scholars from India and abroad to examine archaeological evidence, recent discoveries and future research opportunities, he said. National and international experts had been invited to undertake detailed studies of the site’s remains.
The proposed civilisation corridor would seek to improve tourism connectivity and coordination between archaeological sites. Saini did not specify its estimated cost or implementation schedule.
The chief minister inspected the museum under construction, viewed a demonstration of excavation techniques and examined archaeological objects, including a seal. He also announced Rs 51 lakh for the village panchayat and assured that the demands submitted to him would be addressed.
Heritage and Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Amit Aggarwal said plans included an open museum and a site museum. The site museum’s structure was ready, with completion targeted before the next edition of the festival.
Now in its third edition, the festival is themed “Maati Se Mahotsav Tak” and features activities intended to connect visitors, particularly school and college students, with the region’s archaeological heritage.
Saini urged teachers and parents to take children to historical sites and museums. He also encouraged young people to communicate Rakhigarhi’s history accurately through digital platforms.
Outlining Haryana’s wider conservation programme, Saini said an archaeological museum was being developed in Sector 5, Panchkula. The old tehsil building in Nuh, Loharu Fort and the tomb complex at Tauru had been declared state-protected monuments, he added.
Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said efforts to attract domestic and international visitors could expand tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities. Short courses and training activities for young people were also being organised during the festival, he said.
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