Odisha to form Task Force for conservation & beautification of neglected Heritage Monuments

Bhubaneswar, Aug 26 (UNI) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida today stressed the need to set up a task force in coordination with the Tourism, Culture, and Monuments Department to take up the conservation and beautification of neglected historical monuments in the state.

Parida said several heritage sites in Odisha remain neglected.
She pointed out that the state has over 30,000 historical monuments, of which only 82 are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, while 212 are conserved by the State Archaeological Department. “The remaining monuments need proper maintenance and beautification from the tourism point of view.”

A comprehensive database must be prepared, and these sites should be introduced as tourist destinations with focus on conservation and promotion,” she said.

The matter was discussed at a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Parida, Law, Heritage and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Odia Language, Literature, Culture, Sports, Youth Affairs and Higher Education Minister Suryavansi Suraj. Senior officials of the concerned departments were also present.

Law Minister Harichandan said Odisha, known as the land of Lord Jagannath, is a treasure trove of heritage and culture.

“Every corner of the state is filled with ancient monuments. Along with their protection, peripheral development and good road connectivity are essential to attract tourists,” he said.

He added that geo-tagging of all ancient temples will be undertaken, and areas associated with Jagannath culture will be upgraded. Harichandan also proposed the creation of a corridor connecting all the Shakti Peethas in the state, starting from the Tara-Tareni Temple to Biraja
Kshetra.
In addition, he emphasized preparing detailed profiles of all heritage sites.
Culture Minister Suryavansi Suraj noted that while Odisha has a vast number of ancient monuments, the state’s heritage has also been subject to theft and smuggling.
“Many of our artifacts and monuments have been illegally sold abroad for crores of rupees,”
he said.
To boost tourism potential, Suraj stressed the need for strict protection and preservation measures.
He proposed that in the first phase, 75 historically important monuments should be prioritized for conservation and beautification.