Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said emphasis should be given on the preservation of cultural identity and heritage of Bhubaneswar while developing it into a smart city.
The state government has been doing so, besides promoting tourism and best practices in this field while developing Bhubaneswar as a smart city, he said inaugurating the fifth International Biennial Conference organised by the Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO and housing and urban development department.
Stating that more cultural sites of Odisha should come into the purview of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, he said "My government is committed towards taking steps towards identifying, preserving and protecting these sites through listing and documentation, preparation of tourism promotion and conservation plans and developing heritage resource management plan."
He said along with development of modern amenities and facilities, the cities should also be vibrant with the socio-cultural life centered on art, craft and heritage. There are several cities in India and abroad where this has been done.
The chief minister said he was hopeful that the conference will be a platform for exchange of ideas and best practices in this field.
Stating that Odisha is known for its rich cultural heritage with Bhubaneswar at the centre stage, Patnaik said the state's Kalingan style of temple architecture, which is seen in places around Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, dates back to the 7th century A.D and is a great attraction to the people visiting this part of the country.
Some monuments of Odisha such as the Sun Temple at Konark, the Jain caves at Khandagiri and Udayagiri have preserved their glorious history over thousands of years.
Bhubaneswar s cultural heritage is epitomized by Ekamra Khestra, which has been the cultural capital over the centuries, he said.
The chief minister said the state's monuments and the associated cultural activities play an important role in the lives of people of Odisha and give them a special identity.
"It is thus necessary to create awareness about our cultural heritage, their protection and preservation from the continuous onslaught of development and its related effect," he said.
Shingeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative to India-Bhutan, Maldivies and Sri Lanka also spoke on the occasion.
Patnaik also inaugurated an exhibition of architecture competition at the venue.