OUR CORRESPONDENT
Bindo Lanong: Conservation conscious
Shillong, Feb. 19: The deputy chief minister in-charge of art and culture, Bindo Lanong, today said the Meghalaya government was making efforts to protect the archaeological site at Baitbari in West Garo Hills from encroachment and destruction.
After a three-day visit to the Garo hills, Lanong told reporters today that the government was initiating development programmes, including construction of roads leading to the site and fencing, to protect the area from encroachment and destruction.
He added that the matter would be taken up with the Archaeological Survey of India for analysis.
Lanong said the ancient archaeological site, believed to have been inhabited by ancient civilisations over centuries, would provide ample scope for young generations for research and tourism promotion.
“No doubt the site will benefit scholars in the field of research and archaeological studies. Moreover, this will also promote tourism, as Baitbari is a treasure house of ancient civilisations,” the deputy chief minister said.
The Meghalaya government had in November 1991 undertaken a short exploration in collaboration with the ASI (pre-historical branch).
A joint exploration-excavation was taken up in December 29, 1992.
According to the Meghalaya government, the findings were encouraging as they revealed the potential of the place to be enlisted in the category of archaeological sites of national importance.
The excavation unearthed a mud-cum-burnt brick fortification, running at least 5km, with both ends on the bank of the Jinjiram river.
The fortification is nearly 15 square km in area.
A beautifully planned burnt brick temple lying buried under a mound covered with thick bushes was also dug up during the exploration.
While clearing the debris of this temple, nearly 28 terracotta tiles depicting gods and goddesses like Ganesh, Parvati, Kubera, Yaksha and dancing figurines were discovered at the base of the wall.
The third discovery was an octagonal temple with eight miniature Shivalings.
The fourth find was the discovery of a Buddhist stupa.