Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida chaired a high-level review meeting at Lokaseva Bhawan today to discuss the integrated development, conservation, and tourism management of major heritage and religious sites, including Kedar Gouri, Khandagiri, Kapileshwar, and Mukteshwar.
During the meeting, she directed the launch of a massive cleanliness and awareness campaign, with funds to be allocated by concerned departments. She stressed that heritage conservation, tourism promotion, and environmental sustainability must progress together.
Based on her recent site visits, key issues such as scientific waste management in temple premises, desilting and rejuvenation of kunds and water bodies, drainage improvement, and maintenance of water sources were discussed in detail. She instructed officials to conduct site inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan for drainage, pumping, and maintenance works under the jurisdiction of temple trusts and local bodies, with technical teams to be engaged.
The meeting emphasised close coordination among the Tourism Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Endowment Department, and local administration to ensure sanitation, water quality, and regular upkeep of monuments. Priority cleaning and pumping operations will be undertaken wherever required.
To enhance the visitor experience, the Deputy Chief Minister suggested deploying trained guides to disseminate historical and cultural information. She also directed that interpretation centres be made fully functional and ramps and universal accessibility facilities be created at the sites in future.
The meeting was attended by Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department; Shri Lalatendu Jena, Commissioner of Endowment; Deepankar Mohapatra, Director, Tourism Department; Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary, H&UD Department; Shri Chanchal Rana, Commissioner of BMC; representatives from ASI Bhubaneswar Circle; Shri Amrit Ruturaj, Collector, Khordha; Dr Manoranjan Sahu, Sub-Collector, Khordha; and Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra.
