Overview
- At the second Rakhigarhi Mahotsav on December 26, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini outlined the Centre’s budgeted support to elevate the Harappan site.
- Plans presented by the state include expanding a museum, creating a dedicated research institute, and upgrading visitor facilities and infrastructure to position the site for global tourism and study.
- Rakhigarhi and neighboring Rakhi Shahpur were each awarded Rs 21 lakh, and 13 and five panchayat demands respectively will be sent to relevant departments for action.
- Authorities reaffirmed efforts to seek inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, noting the multi‑year documentation and evaluation process ahead.
- Officials highlighted ASI findings of advanced town planning and water management at Rakhigarhi, which already has a museum built at a cost of Rs 22 crore.