PAKISTAN.- The Minister of Tourism & Culture, Smt. Ambika Soni told the Lok Sabha today that the Government has received the following proposals from the foreign countries for conservation and maintenance of historical places:

In response to a request from Pakistan for technical assistance for restoration of Katasraj temples complex, the Government sent an official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to visit Katasraj from August, 29 to September 02, 2005. The detailed report prepared by ASI has been sent to the Government of Pakistan through diplomatic channels. A response is awaited.

The Government of Sri Lanka has sought the assistance of the Government of India for restoration and conservation of Thirukuteeshwaram Temple (Hindu Temple) and Mulikirigala Rajya Vihara (Buddhist Temple) in Sri Lanka.

ASI officials have visited the site and a detailed report is submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Government of India received a request from the Government of Lao PDR for restoration of the World Heritage Site of Wat Phou temples. ASI team visited the site and a report on their visit was submitted to the MEA.

ASI has completed the conservation works of Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia between 1986 to 1993.

ASI has taken up another project of Conservation and Restoration of Ta Prohm Temple Complex under ITEC programme of MEA with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.57 crore. Implementation of the project is in progress.

A request from the Afghan Government was received for India’s assistance for restoration of the historic ‘Stoor Palace’ in Kabul. The palace building was reportedly constructed about 100 years ago for the then King Amanula Khan. CPWD was asked to undertake a pre-feasibility study for the restoration. The project is under consideration.

The Afghan Government has requested for India’s cooperation in the field of Archaeology, Archives, Monuments and Museum. A team of officials from Archaeological Survey of India visited Afghanistan and has submitted their report. Four projects are being considered for implementation. They are (a) Conservation, preservation and restoration of Museum Objects at National Museum (b) Conservation, preservation and restoration of Manuscripts at National Archives (c). Setting up of Field Conservation Laboratory at Institute of Archaeology and (d). Setting up of Photo Laboratory at Institute of Archaeology. These projects are still in the initial processing stage.

India has offered assistance to Indonesia with the repair/reconstruction of the temples at Prambanan, which were damaged in the earthquake that struck southern coast of central Java Island, Indonesia of May 27, 2006.