Ahmedabad: A high-level team consisting of Dr Y S Rawat, director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the ADG of conservation from ASI, and Prof Arun Menon from IIT Madras, among others, visited the Vadnagar Experiential Archaeological Museum on Wednesday to assess the future of the 2,000-year-old fortification wall at the site. The team also discussed the future of the premises to address concerns raised by earlier assessment reports.
The primary concern was the waterproofing of the fortification wall at the museum site. The wall was restored by an ASI team with lime and mortar using traditional methods and it was suggested that it be sheltered with a cantilever. Archaeology experts have already raised concerns about conservation status of the site. Dr Rawat told TOI that they took an alternative method where, to mitigate direct rainfall, they will fill up a space behind the fortification and create a movement pass, which will also work as a rainwater runoff. “The structure can be covered partially if need be,” he said.
ASI officials said that the site of excavation will be cordoned off with railings for safety. A gate will be planned at a lower level with a path, if someone wants to see the layers, they added. The fate of the 800-year-old full skeleton found during the excavation was also discussed, said sources. tnn