Govt to purchase technology to trace archaeological sites

Funds, time can be saved by using these machines, says minister

KARACHI: The Sindh culture tourism and antiquities department has decided to purchase ground-penetrating radars (GPR) to detect the presence of archaeological sites in the province.
Official sources in the department told The Express Tribune that these machines will emit electromagnetic energy into the ground and detect buried objects.



"With the use of these radars, no money would be wasted on unnecessary excavations, as these machines can display all items and their underground depth," said a senior official. He added that the department has contacted Chinese firms to purchase the technology.
"The antiquities department director-general visited China for this purpose and the process for acquiring the machinery is in progress," sources said.



The former director of the department, Qaim Ali Qasim, said, "We employ traditional methods currently, which include digging up a site after conducting an archaeological survey and dividing the place into different parts." He added that a lot of resources and time are consumed by using such methods without proper knowledge of what is buried underneath. With the help of these portable machines, pottery, artefacts and other materials' presence will give a clear idea as to how to unearth them, he said.
"We have hardly excavated 10% of Mohen Jo Daro while 90% remains unexcavated as archaeologist are still unsure as to where to begin digging on the site, fearing they might damage the ruins by using traditional methods," he said.



It will be easy to determine whether an archaeological site is viable for excavation with the help of these radars, said Qasim. He added that during his tenure, he was unable to purchase the technology as a foreign manufacturing company was providing each radar for Rs3 million.
Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said he held a meeting with Chinese officials and will expedite the process of getting the machinery. "Not only funds but time can be saved by using the ground-penetrating radars," he explained.



Regarding other sites, Shah said that his department launched a conservation drive for around 22 archaeological and heritage sites.
"We have also started work on Kot Diji Fort at an estimated cost of Rs200 million," he said, adding that rainwater accumulated at the main gate of the fort had penetrated the walls, causing seepage which is dangerous for the fort.
"There are no facilities available for visitors at the fort, hence we are trying to build a structure where people can stay for a while and get refreshments," he added.



The department's spokesperson said that in both the cases, archaeologists would have to excavate the sites as these radars only give a clear picture of what is buried beneath the surface.
"Through these machines we cannot have an idea about cultural resemblance of the prescribed site and its related chronology," said the spokesperson.