(1) If the State Government are of opinion that excavation for archaeological purposes in any area should be restricted and regulated in the interests of archaeological research, the State Government may, by notification specifying the boundaries of the area, declare it to be a protected area.
(2) From the date of such notification all objects of archaeological, historical or artistic interest buried in the protected area shall be the property of the Government and shall be deemed to be in the possession of the Government and shall remain the property and in the possession of the Government until ownership
1. Substituted vide Orissa Act 16 OF 2002 9 thereof is transferred; but in all other respects, the right of any owner or occupier of land in such areas shall not be affected.
20. Power to enter upon and make excavations in a protected area.
- (1) Any officer of the Archaeological Department or any person holding a licence under Section 21 may, with the written permission of the Collector, enter upon and make excavation in any protected area.
(2) Where in the exercise of the power conferred by Sub-section (1) the rights of any person are infringed by the occupation or disturbance of the surface of any land, the State Government shall pay to that person compensation for the infringement.