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THE NARMADA Valley had been the centre of evolution of human civilisation. Scientific data proves that the Narmada Valley was the oldest civilisation of Indian subcontinent, stated eminent archaeologist K K Mohammad at Narmada Bhawan in the City on Friday.

He was addressing a large gathering on ‘Archaeological wealth of Narmada Valley’. It was special lecture amongst the monthly lecture series being organised by the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA). 

Mohammed further said that Narmada Valley has rich archaeological wealth under the surface. Hence, extensive exploration is needed to bring up that wealth. He expressed the need of a social movement to make people aware about the importance of archaeological monuments.

Mohammed said that only sense of love and honour towards cultural heritage could help protect the archaeological wealth. He also displayed   in detail the techniques to conserve the archaeological monuments.

NVDA Vice-Chairman Uday Kumar Varma on this occasion informed that NVDA has decided to acquire the land surrounding the origin of Narmada River at Amarkantak. The acquired land would be handed over to Archaeological Survey of India for conservation of the site.

Varma said that as many as 36 temples and 41 monuments, coming under submergence of Narmada Valley projects, were being relocated.

These included 19 temples of Sardar Sarovar Project area, six of Indira Sagar Project area, nine of Omkareshwar Project area and two temples of Maheshwar Project area.

Varma said that the monthly lecture series has been started to expose the officers and employees to the latest knowledge on the various dimensions of the Narmada Valley development.

An interactive session was also held in which K K Mohammed answered the questions from audience. Director Archaeology Pankaj Raag, and joint director Intelligence Bureau Yashovardhan Azad were also present besides officers of Narmada Valley Development Authority.