The technical studies carried out by PSU major National Mineral Development Corp (NMDC) in the premises of a school here over reported presence of a tunnel leading to a 'treasure trove' revealed that a 'structure' indeed exists at a depth of about 20 feet.
"The technical studies establish the existence of a structure at the depth of 18-20 feet on the hill area of Naubat Pahad," a press note issued by the Director of Archaeology Department said. NMDC experts conducted a 'geophysical survey' last month and submitted a report to the Director today.
The NMDC survey was preceded by excavation conducted by the department in the premises of the school, located opposite the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, following claims by some persons they had seen something which could be a storage facility or tunnel, possibly leading to a 'treasure trove'.
The help of NMDC was sought after the 'treasure hunt' by the Archaeology department failed to yield desired result.
"NMDC team carried out differential studies namely geological studies, topographic survey, ground resistivity, survey-vertical electrical sounding method (VES) and ground magnetic survey.
"NMDC found anomalies in the Shear Zone at multiple points VES-6 and VES-7. Topographic survey, magnetic profiles and technical studies reveal linear magnetic anomalies which could be due to presence of a shallow magnetic object/ construction/iron sheet cavity. These anomalies could be situated at a depth of approximately 20 feet," the release said.
Based on information provided by a team of masons about the possibility of a treasure trove at the site, the Archaeology department had acquired permission from the government and started digging and exploration activities at the site from February 18.
Prof. P. Chenna Reddy, director, department of Archaeology and museums, received the geophysical survey report from Mr. Narendra Kumar Nanda, CMD, NMDC. The survey was conducted near the foot of Naubat Pahad in the premises of Vidyaranya School, Saifabad.
"The department is happy to find there are some structures of archaeological importance. This is what matters to us. We aren’t interested in jewellery. The excavation will take roughly two months but we will commence only after the school exams get over. There won’t be any objections from the Birla Temple authorities because the foundation of the temple won't suffer due to our works," Reddy said.