Odisha, a state steeped in ancient history and cultural legacy, is set to launch a comprehensive initiative to protect and enhance its heritage sites.
In a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, alongside Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Sports, Youth Affairs, and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, the state government outlined ambitious plans to preserve and develop its historical monuments.
The meeting emphasised the creation of a new heritage policy aimed at safeguarding Odisha’s cultural treasures, dating back to the era of Emperor Kharavela and the Paika Rebellion. A task force will be formed to oversee the conservation of over 3,000 heritage sites, with special focus on Jagannath culture and Buddhist monuments. In the first phase, 75 key heritage sites will undergo comprehensive development to boost tourism. Additionally, all ancient temples will be geo-tagged, and efforts will be made to promote Kharavela-era landmarks on a global stage.
Deputy CM Parida highlighted the state’s rich historical legacy, noting that while 82 sites are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 212 by the state’s archaeological department, thousands remain neglected. She stressed the need for a coordinated task force involving the Tourism, Culture, and Works Departments to ensure proper conservation and beautification.
Minister Harichandan emphasised Odisha’s identity as the land of Lord Jagannath, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development, such as better roads and connectivity, to attract global tourists. He also proposed a heritage corridor connecting key spiritual sites like Tara Tarini and Biraja temples, along with a detailed profiling of all heritage sites.
Minister Suraj highlighted Odisha’s vast repository of heritage, expressing concern over the smuggling of artefacts abroad. He urged stronger conservation efforts to preserve these treasures and announced that, in honour of the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday, the state will prioritise the protection and development of 75 heritage sites in the initial phase.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Culture Department Secretary Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Tourism Commissioner Balwant Singh, and ASI Superintendent D.B. Gadnayak, marked a significant step toward elevating Odisha’s cultural heritage to global prominence while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
