Patna, Dec. 31: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken strong cognisance of yesterday's incident when the convoy of Assembly deputy Speaker entered the Nalanda ruins premises, violating key heritage norms.

Sources in the ASI's eastern regional headquarters in Calcutta claimed that an explanation on the incident is being sought from its Patna circle and the state government.

The Telegraph highlighted the incident in its December 30 edition with a report, 'Red beacon storms to ruins'.

The entry of vehicles inside protected archaeological sites like Nalanda ruins is prohibited as per Section 8 of Chapter II of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1959.

'As per the act, no vehicle, except for those for the purpose of maintenance of the monument is allowed entry inside its premises. The incident was a gross violation of the act. Thus, we would seek a report on the incident from the site office at Nalanda, including assistant superintendent of the ASI's Nalanda museum. The circle office at Patna would also be asked to give comments on the issue,' said a senior official at the ASI's eastern regional headquarters wishing anonymity.

Regarding the communication to be made to the state government, the ASI official said: 'We would also send a communiqué to the state art, culture and youth affairs department secretary to give their comments on the incident.'

Deputy Speaker Amrendra Kumar Singh had pleaded ignorance about the norms. He also had claimed that the police escort vehicle entered the premises first and his convoy simply followed it, as the guards at the entrance did not stop them either.

An ASI official hinted that such violation was quite frequent at Nalanda also.

Incidentally, the nomination dossier for inclusion of Nalanda ruins in the coveted list of World Heritage sites is slated to be submitted by Unesco by January 30. Nalanda ruins was included in the tentative list of World Heritage sites in 2009.