Odisha to Form Task Force for Heritage Conservation and Beautification

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has stressed the need to establish a dedicated task force in coordination with the Tourism, Culture, and Monuments Department to conserve and beautify neglected historical monuments across the state.

Parida highlighted that Odisha is home to over 30,000 monuments, but only 82 are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and 212 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 a focus on conservation and promotion,” she said.

The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Parida, Law, Heritage and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Odia Language, Literature, Culture, Sports, Youth Affairs and Higher Education Minister Suryavansi Suraj, along with senior officials.

Law Minister Harichandan noted that Odisha, known as the land of Lord Jagannath, is a treasure trove of heritage and culture. He stressed the importance of not only protecting monuments but also ensuring peripheral development and better road connectivity to boost tourism. He announced that geo-tagging of ancient temples will be undertaken, and areas linked to Jagannath culture will be upgraded. He also proposed a corridor connecting all Shakti Peethas in the state, from Tara-Tareni Temple to Biraja Kshetra.

Culture Minister Suraj expressed concern over the theft and smuggling of Odisha’s heritage, noting that many artifacts have been illegally sold abroad. He emphasized strict preservation measures and suggested that in the first phase, 75 historically important monuments should be prioritized for conservation and beautification.