The Odisha government has launched a major initiative to identify and document unprotected heritage sites across the state.
To begin with, a newly formed committee of experts and specialists will carry out the process over three years. This decision emerged from a joint meeting of the Tourism, Works, and Culture departments held on August 26, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. Moreover, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj informed the Assembly that the project will cover more than 4,000 heritage sites.
Moving forward, the state government has signed an agreement with the Centre for Heritage Studies. In addition, it will constitute a dedicated team with a three-year tenure. After completing the identification, the government will plan peripheral development around the documented sites to enhance preservation and accessibility.
During Question Hour, legislators such as Manoranjan Dyan Samantara demanded stronger measures to protect heritage in their constituencies. In response, the minister highlighted that the Centre has already recognised 82 heritage sites in Odisha, while the state government has granted recognition to 212 sites and is actively working on their preservation.
Furthermore, the minister recalled that an INTACH survey conducted 40–50 years ago had reported over 4,000 heritage sites in the state. He admitted that Odisha’s reputation has suffered nationally due to frequent heritage thefts, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive documentation.
Finally, the minister revealed that the government is pursuing UNESCO recognition for Cuttack’s historic Bali Yatra festival, thereby strengthening Odisha’s cultural identity on the global stage.
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