Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that the central government has earmarked a substantial Rs 500 crore in the Union Budget for the comprehensive development of Rakhigarhi. This archaeological site, recognized as one of the world's oldest, stands as a crucial testament to India's ancient civilization.
Major Push for Heritage and Tourism
The announcement came during the inauguration of the second state-level Rakhigarhi Festival at the site itself. The Chief Minister emphasized that sustained efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Rakhigarhi. He stated that the state government is taking concrete steps to position Rakhigarhi prominently on both the national and international tourism map, acknowledging its immense historical, cultural, and tourism value.
During the event, Saini also inaugurated the newly built Harappan Gyan Kendra (Knowledge Center). The festival itself is a vibrant celebration, featuring a craft fair, heritage race, workshops, exhibitions, cultural programs, rural sports, quizzes, rangoli, and photography competitions. The event was attended by Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma, Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa, and local MLA Vinod Bhyana.
Haryana's Rich Archaeological Landscape
Highlighting Haryana's archaeological wealth, the CM noted that, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), nearly 100 sites in the state possess historical importance. He named prominent sites like Farmana in Rohtak, Mitathal in Bhiwani, Balu in Kaithal, and Banawali in Fatehabad.
Saini detailed several ongoing and completed projects, including a modern museum at Rakhigarhi built at a cost of Rs 22 crore. He added that other heritage structures, such as the old tehsil building in Nuh, Loharu Fort, and the tomb complex at Tawaru, have been declared state-protected monuments. Development is also progressing on a state-of-the-art archaeological museum in Sector 5, Panchkula, and the Agroha archaeological site.
Addressing Local Needs and Historical Significance
In a move addressing local governance, the Chief Minister announced that all 13 demands from the Rakhigarhi gram panchayat and five from Rakhi Shahpur gram panchayat would be forwarded to concerned departments for early resolution. He also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh each for Rakhigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur villages.
Elaborating on the site's global significance, Saini said Rakhigarhi was a major centre of the Harappan civilisation, renowned for its advanced urban planning, sanitation systems, and water management. Excavations have established it as a key industrial and commercial hub of the Indus-Saraswati civilisation. "It is a matter of pride that Haryana is home to the world's largest and most developed ancient urban civilisation," he stated.
Connecting to a broader national narrative, the CM said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is advancing with renewed confidence in its heritage. He grouped Rakhigarhi with sites like Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya as symbols of India's glorious past and evolving future.
Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma remarked that the nearly 7,000-year-old Rakhigarhi civilisation demonstrates principles of urban planning that continue to inspire the modern world, underscoring the timeless relevance of this ancient site.
