(a) the steps taken by the ASI to do marine archaeological research in Tamil Nadu alongwith sites so far explored in the eastern coast in this regard;
(b) whether the ASI has not taken any steps so far to conduct marine archaeological exploration in Tamil Nadu after the preliminary survey;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the ASI has started a separate wing for marine archaeology at Delhi and propose to start the same in Chennai; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE ( SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)
(a) During 1995-97, the ASI took up offshore exploration around Arikamedu (Pondichery) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) with the help of marine wing of the Geological Survey of India.
(b) & (c) Due to non-availability of requisite infrastructure underwater archaeological explorations could not be conducted by ASI thereafter. However, offshore exploration along the coastal areas including Tamil Nadu are planned to be taken up during the year 2001-2002.
(d) & (e) The ASI has just started a separate wing for marine archaeology at Delhi. There is no proposal to start any branch at Chennai.