Centre takes steps for preserving Egyptian mummy

New Delhi, Jul 27 : The Centre today dismissed reports of decaying of the Egyptian mummy preserved at Telangana State Museum in Hyderabad, stating that the artifact has been kept under controlled temperature and photography with flash lights banned.

Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma, said in his reply to a question in Lok Sabha, that the Government of Telangana had taken advice from Dr Trek el Awady, an Egyptian expert and has initiated action on the suggestions made by the expert.

"The mummy has now been under controlled temperature. The wooden showcase has been made air tight till the new oxygen free showcase is installed.

"Photography with flash lights has been banned. The lighting in the mummy room is regulated," he said. The mummy is believed to be that of a teenage girl of 6th Pharaoh of Egypt.

It was in the news lately for lack of maintenance. The Minister of State for Culture, however, noted that adequate funds have been allotted for the effective preservation of the age-old mummy.

"Government of Telangana has allocated Rs 10 lakh in the current financial year to improve the preservation of the mummy. Apart from this, the state government has already spent Rs 4.25 lakhs on the project," Sharma informed.

PTI