Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday asked people to preserve the richness and diversity of Odisha’s heritage. Taking to X, the CM said, “Odisha is blessed with wealth of timeless monuments and sites that narrate stories of our glorious past, rich history and vibrant culture. On International Day for Monuments and Sites, let’s celebrate these timeless treasures and preserve the trousseau of heritage for future generations.”
Notably, April 18 is observed as International Monuments and Sites Day, traditionally called the World Heritage Day, to celebrate and promote the cultural heritage across the world. Odia Language, Literature and Culture department in association with Aithiya, an outfit dedicated to heritage conservation, organised a Padyatra near Bindusagar Lake.
Several students, who participated in the programme, were given information about the history of the temple structure situated near the lake. Joining the programme as chief guest on this occasion, Utkal University of Culture VC Prasan Kumar Swain said that awareness must be created among the new generation about art and architecture of the state. He further said, “Odisha has a rich religious and cultural heritage that goes back more than two thousand years. The state is full of historical places to visit and has many heritage monuments that reflect its history and culture.” The state boasts of several historical monuments such as Konark Sun Temple, Barabati Fort, Jagannath Temple, Dhauli, Lalitgiri, Kapileswar Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple and Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves among others. Recently, the Cabinet headed by the chief minister, had approved the Integrated Development of Heritage and Monuments and Tourist Destination at a cost outlay of Rs 1412.79 crore. A total of 159 heritage sites will be redeveloped with a blend of modern amenities and the state government will spend the said amount till 2027.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP