Nearly 30 properties of archeological importance facing threat of submergence under the Narmada valley projects in Madhya Pradesh have been transplanted to new sites with a view to preserve the historical treasures spread in the affected area.

"The relocation of archaeological sites spread in the Narmada valley is almost complete. A total of 34 sites of archaeological importance coming under the submergence area were identified for relocation, and 30 of these properties have been transplanted to new sites with great care," Madhya Pradesh Culture and Public Relations Minister, Laxmikant Sharma told PTI today.

The transplantation of 19 archaeological sites coming under submergence in Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), five under Indira Sagar Project (ISP) and six of Omkareshwar Project have already been completed by a department team led by Project Officer, Deepti Gargava.

The shifted properties include temples, 'Chhatris' and caves of the period ranging from Mauryas to Parmaras.

The artifacts left by them made the entire region a treasure house of antiquities, a repository of different cultures, a fact that always attracted the attention of the scholars, Sharma said.

The construction of six proposed dams on river Narmada and its tributaries--Sardar Sarovar, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Jobat and Maan--would affect some 566 villages of the state, the Minister said.

Despite facing resistance from villagers due to sentiments attached with the temples and other treasures spread in the valley, the staff of Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums collected and shifted nearly 440 sculptures from the submergence area.

An archaeological museum has been established at Kasrawad in Khargone district under Sardar Sarovar Project to house the treasure found in the submergence area.

The department with the financial assistance of Rs 1.90 crore from Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) transplanted these archaeologically important sites, the Minister said adding if needed more funds will be demanded from the authority for shifting remaining treasures.

Two archaeological sites located under the submergence area of Maheshwar Hydro Power Project are yet to be shifted.

The transplanted temples, chhatris and caves are located in Dhar, Jhabua, Barwani, Khandwa, Dewas and Harda districts of Madhya Pradesh, he added.