The twin villages of Rakhi Shahpur and Rakhi Khas in Hisar District of Haryana enclose the site of Rakhigarhi, one of the oldest and largest Indus Valley sites yet known. Excavation by the ASI was begun in the 1990s, but subsequently stopped. Due largely to our efforts, work was resumed under a professional team, and the State Government agreed to construct a site museum and some other facilities. Extensive publicity has followed the excavations, which have revealed, among other things, large numbers of charming decorative and utility items, cylindrical seals, intricate houses, streets, and a sophisticated drainage system. All of this has revealed a highly refined and sophisticated civilization, spread over a large area, and many of the excavated articles have been taken to the National Museum. At the moment excavation has temporarily come to a halt due to negotiation with residents on a part of the site that is inhabited. The State Government is pursuing plans to resettle the affected residents, after which excavation can resume. The site museum is under construction, and promises to be a major attraction for tourists as well as scholars and researchers.

Rakhigarhi was mentioned by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget of 2020, as one of the five archaeological sites that will be developed for cultural and historical tourism. This was welcome acknowledgement ITRHDs early recognition of the area's importance.

Meanwhile, we have proceeded with work on several other aspects of community development, as eventually Rakhigarhi will become a major tourist destination. One of the most promising relates to solid waste management. With funding from IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited) we have been able to develop a program in collaboration with Manav Rachna University in Faridabad. Rakhigarhi Solid Waste Management System .