Pakistan yet to send reply on ASI's report on Katasraj Temple

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) The government today said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had sent a detailed report to Pakistan for restoration of Katasraj temple complex in Lahore, and a reponse was awaited from that country.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said India had received a request from Pakistan for providing technical assistance for restoration of the Katasraj Temple complex.

''The Government sent an ASI official to visit Katasraj. The detailed report prepared by ASI has been sent to the Government of Pakistan. A response is awaited,'' she said.

Ms Soni said India also received a request from Afghanistan for providing assistance for restoration of the historic 'Stoor Palace' in Kabul.

The CPWD has been asked to undertake a pre-feasibility study for the restoration.

The minister said the Afghan Government has also requested for India's cooperation in the field of Archaeology, Archives, Monuments and Museums.

A team of ASI officials visited Afghanistan and submitted a report on the basis of which four projects have been identified.

These projects are: conservation, preservation and restoration of museum objects at the National Museum and of manuscripts at the National Archives.

The two other projects relate to setting up of a field conservation laboratory and a photo laboratory at Institute of Archaeology.

Ms Soni said these projects are in initial stages of consideration.

Replying to another query, she said under bilateral exchange programmes, a team of experts from the ASI visited Katasraj Group of Temple in Pakistan; Thiru Kutiswaram Temple and Mulkirigala Rajya Vihar in Sri Lanka; 'Stoor Palace' in Afghanistan; Ta Prohm Temple Complex in Cambodia and Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia.

''The project reports and inspection reports have already been submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs for further action,'' she informed the Lower House.

In pursuance of the bilateral agreement signed between India and Cambodia, the conservation and restoration of Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia has been entrusted by the MEA to the ASI under ITEC programme with an estimated cost of Rs 19.57 crores to be completed in ten years.

She said the work on the project had commenced in January 2004 and an amount of Rs 330.00 lakhs had been earmarked for 2007-08.

UNI