Centre affirms adherence to global scientific norms in Keezhadi excavation: Shekhawat

new delhi: the union government is committed to adhering to global scientific standards in publishing the findings of the keezhadi excavation, union culture and tourism minister gajendra singh shekhawat informed the rajya sabha on thursday.responding to questions raised by dmk mp tiruchi siva, shekhawat said that the excavation report prepared by the lead archaeologist was scrutinised by subject experts, and an official report was released by the archaeological survey of india (asi) after incorporating expert opinions."the report of the chief archaeologist was duly examined and the observations of the experts were shared with him. the final report was approved and published following standard protocols," the minister said.the keezhadi site, located in the vaigai river basin, was identified by the archaeological survey of south india for research, following which excavations were undertaken by the state archaeological department and academic institutions during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.the madurai bench of the madras high court, in an order dated february 29, 2024, had directed that a report on the excavation be submitted. the minister said that the report had been verified by eminent experts as per existing guidelines.