Bhubaneswar: The Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Lokaseva Bhawan to discuss the integrated development, conservation and tourism management of the historic Kedar Gouri, Khandagiri, Kapileshwar and Mukteshwar heritage sites in the capital city.
Emphasising the need for a holistic approach, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the launch of a massive cleanliness and public awareness campaign, with funds to be allocated by the concerned departments. She stressed that heritage conservation, tourism promotion and environmental sustainability must advance in tandem to ensure long-term preservation of these iconic sites.
Based on observations made during her recent site visit, the meeting deliberated in detail on key issues such as scientific waste management within temple premises, desilting and rejuvenation of kunds and water bodies, improvement of drainage systems and maintenance of existing water sources. Directions were issued to conduct detailed site inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan covering drainage, pumping and maintenance works under the jurisdiction of temple trusts, local bodies and other concerned authorities, with support from technical teams.
The meeting underlined the importance of close coordination among the Tourism Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Endowment Department and the local administration to ensure regular sanitation, water quality monitoring and upkeep of monuments. It was decided that priority cleaning and pumping operations would be undertaken wherever required.
To enhance the overall visitor experience, the deployment of trained guides for dissemination of historical and cultural information was suggested. The meeting also discussed ensuring the proper functioning of interpretation centres and the future creation of ramps and universal accessibility facilities at the heritage sites.
The review meeting was attended by Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department; Lalatendu Jena, Commissioner of Endowment; Deepankar Mohapatra, Director, Tourism Department; Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Chanchal Rana, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; representatives from the office of the Superintendent of Archaeology, ASI, Bhubaneswar Circle; Amrit Ruturaj, Collector, Khordha; Dr. Manoranjan Sahu, Sub-Collector, Khordha; and Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra.
