Adichanallur archaeology site: Collector summoned

Petitioner Muthalapuram Kamaraj from Thoothukudi had stated that Adichanallur archaeological site is present on the banks of Thamirabarani river and Korkai, the capital city of Pandiyan Kings is just 15 km away.  The excavation commenced in 2004 and 114 acres of ancient burial ground was found in the site apart from several artefacts.  

However, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) did not continue the excavations and the artefacts unearthed from Adichanallur are kept in Chennai and other places. The ASI should set up an onsite museum at Adichanallur and the artefacts unearthed from the site should be displayed in it. 

When the petition was heard by Judges Kirubakaran and Dharani, the petitioner’s counsel argued that so far the Union government had not submitted the findings at Adichanallur. The Judges intervened and said that the Centre is careless regarding the excavation process in Tamil Nadu and it shows no interest in preservation of artefacts. 

However, the counsel argued that at present illegal sand mining is going on near the excavated site and it should be stopped. The Bench then directed Thoothukudi Collector to appear in person on February 1 and adjourned the hearing.