TV
In a major move towards cultural conservation, the Odisha government is set to introduce a ‘heritage policy’ aimed at protecting and preserving over 3,000 ancient monuments and heritage sites across the State, official sources said on Tuesday.
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The decision was taken today during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy CM Pravati Parida, involving key departments such as Tourism, Culture, and Works. The Department of Culture will lead the drafting and implementation of the ‘heritage policy’.
As part of this initiative, the Odisha Tourism Department is to identify around 75 important heritage destinations to be prioritised in the first phase. A dedicated task force will be formed to ensure effective execution of the policy.
The focus will not only be on preservation and safety of these historic sites but also on creating basic tourism infrastructure to enhance visitor experience.
Deputy CM Parida stated that efforts will be made to equip these heritage locations with the necessary facilities to attract both domestic and international tourists.
This policy marks a strategic push to safeguard Odisha’s rich cultural legacy while promoting sustainable tourism.
“Culture Department will bring a heritage policy in the State and identify 75 destinations. Decisions will be taken to provide all sorts of amenities and cleanliness at those 75 heritage destinations, and to make the sites tourism-friendly as well,” the Deputy CM said.
“With the convergence of three departments and by utilising the manpower after a heritage policy comes in, efforts will be made for the conservation and preservation of over 3,000 heritage sites that we have. Decision was taken for world-class transformation of the sites,” the Deputy CM expressed in a presser.
“Odisha has several heritage sites which date back to the 9th century BC. It is seen that significant artefacts such as idols are missing in some heritage sites, and those missing artefacts will be restored in the process. A task force will be formed for this,” the Deputy CM added.
