Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s position as a global tourism destination, the state government has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to promote heritage conservation, adventure tourism, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits in the state.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Lok Seva Bhavan Thursday in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, Odia Language Literature & Culture (OLCC) Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
Speaking on the occasion, Parida said the three agreements represent Odisha’s holistic vision to conserve heritage, diversify tourism offerings, and expand its global footprint.
“It is critical to implement these projects in mission mode to ensure they yield meaningful outcomes,” she said.
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Speaking at the event, Suraj described the Buddhist tourism initiative as a historic partnership which will revive and promote the state’s unparalleled cultural heritage, while Ahuja underlined the role of tourism in Odisha’s ‘Vision 2036’, stating that the sector not only contributes to economic development but also helps preserve culture and generate livelihoods.
The agreements were signed between the Tourism department and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa, and the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI), in collaboration with the OLLC.
The state, in a tie-up with IIT Madras, will leverage advanced scientific techniques for structural audits and conservation of heritage monuments.
The collaboration will cover detailed documentation, material testing, geo-technical investigations, and preparation of project reports.
It also includes sustainable reuse plans and project management consultancy support, aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of the state’s historic sites.
The partnership with NIWS, Goa, will introduce globally accepted safety standards, safety audits, and capacity-building programmes for adventure tourism operators, lifeguards, and service providers in the state.
With Odisha’s long coastline and abundant water resources, the government sees significant potential for developing adventure tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for the state’s youth.
The third MoU, between LBDFI and the OLLC department, focuses on reviving Odisha’s Buddhist heritage and pilgrimage tourism by organising annual prayer ceremonies at key Buddhist sites such as Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitagiri, and Dhauli.
The partnership will also enhance visitor amenities, develop digital engagement infrastructure, and curate cultural and academic programmes highlighting the state’s Buddhist legacy and the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava.
These collaborations mark an important milestone in building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready tourism ecosystem for Odisha, officials said.
PTI