Odisha Plans Task Force to Preserve and Promote Heritage Sites

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to step up efforts to preserve and showcase the state’s rich history and culture through the protection and beautification of ancient monuments. A high-level meeting in this regard was held on Tuesday at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida.

Law and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabansi Suraj were also present in the meeting, which focused on coordinated measures to safeguard heritage sites and promote tourism.

Odisha is home to more than 3,000 heritage sites, but only 82 are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 212 by the State Archaeological Survey. The remaining monuments require proper upkeep and beautification to attract visitors, officials said.

Deputy Chief Minister Parida called for the formation of a task force to coordinate with the Tourism, Culture, and Heritage Departments for the systematic development of sites.

Law Minister Harichandan stressed on peripheral development, better road connectivity, geo-tagging of ancient temples, and promotion of areas linked with Jagannath culture. He also proposed a corridor connecting all Shakti Peethas across the state to boost spiritual tourism.

Culture Minister Suraj, while highlighting concerns over Odisha’s monuments being sold abroad, underscored the urgent need to protect them. He suggested focusing on 75 priority monuments in the first phase, aligning the initiative with the upcoming 75th birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Officials from the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Tourism Department, and Public Works Department participated in the meeting. They will now prepare detailed profiles of heritage sites and formulate a roadmap to promote Odisha’s cultural legacy.