(Iran Daily) -- With
the change in administration in Sistan-Baluchestan province, the
funds allocated for emergency excavations at Delgân historical
site, which is currently being plundered by unauthorized diggers,
have been delayed.
According to CHN, the 5,000-year old site at Delgan on Jazmourian
plateau and the tombs which are identified as belonging to Bampour
and Halilroud civilizations of ancient Persia have been exposed to
plundering.
After plundering cultural heritage artifacts in Jiroft, unauthorized
diggers have now set their eyes on Delgan.
Archeologist and deputy head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage and
Tourism Organization for safeguarding sites in Sistan-Baluchestan
province, Mohammad Heidari said that plundering of historical tombs
is now continuing unabated in Delgan, notably in Chegerdak, which is
located more than 100 km away from the nearest village and 200 km
from Iranshahr. So, unauthorized diggers can easily engage in
digging for hours without any fear of preventive measures by
provincial officials.
“They can easily plunder cultural heritage relics found in Delgan
tombs.“
Heidari said that the former governor general and executive
officials had pledged 100 million rials for excavations at Delgan
historical site, but, currently unauthorized diggers are involved in
illegal digging in the area stealing cultural heritage items.
“Simultaneously, plundering of Espidej and Delgan historical sites
has made provincial officials pay more attention to safeguarding
Espidej and downgrade the importance of Delgan historical site.
Heidari said that Delgan is no less significant than Espidej. It (Delgan)
is 5,000 years old.
“Three rounds of excavations have been conducted in Espidej which
led to clues about lifestyle of the inhabitants of the region.
“However, no excavation has been carried out yet at Delgan. The
hot weather had prevented archeologists from conducting excavations
during the summer.
Therefore, no excavation has been carried out there.“
The official said that Espidej has been plundered and efforts should
now be focused on saving Delgan. “Some 40 to 50 unauthorized
diggers are excavating at Delgan every day. They are armed and will
fire at the police if they want to stop them.
“Since Delgan historical site is 200 km away from Iranshahr, the
few guards with Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization
(ICHTO) are not able to confront them,“ he said.
