The twin villages of Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Shapur, together known as Rakhigarhi, are hillocks, or mounds, that archaeologists believe contain over 5000yearold mysteries of the Harappan civilization. Archaeologists say, this is the second most important Harappan site after Dholavira in Gujarat. But villagers are not interested in such excavation that cost them displacement from their homes and land. The protests began late last month after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sent eviction notices to 201 villagers. A khap panchayat in Haryanas Hisar district will hold a protest march in Narnaund town to oppose efforts of authorities to remove 201 structures, mostly houses in neighboring Rakhigarhi village, which is described as the largest Harappan site. The notice sent by ASI to villagers stated that, villagers have 'encroached' the land but villagers claim that in 1986 village panchayat had alloted them this shamlat (common land). The villagers said they would continue their dharna until the government denotifies the land where they have constructed their houses. The number of people and land affected area is not known.
Region Classification
Type of Land
Common
Private and Common
Type of Common Land
Non-Forest (Other than Grazing Land)
Total investment involved (in Crores):
₹
Type of investment:
Land Area Affected
(in Hectares):