17. Power of Government of Nepal to issue notice declaring an area as preserved area :
(1) In the interest of research on archaeological objects if it is deemed proper to control or impose restriction on the act of researching and excavating such objects,
Government of Nepal may fix the boundaries of an area and declare it as a preserved area by issuing a notice to that effect.
(2) After the issuance of notice declaring an area as preserved area under Sub-section (1), Government of Nepal shall make necessary arrangement with the landowner for excavation and dully compensate the landowner for the house, if any, and the land. Thereafter, the Chief Archaeology Officer or a person assigned by him shall do or cause to do the excavation and all objects found, while excavating on such places, shall belong to Government of Nepal.
(3) One who causes obstruction in carrying out the work pursuant to Sub-section (2) at the preserved area, shall be liable to Government of Nepal for compensation and shall also be obliged to pay up to Five Hundred Rupees as penalty