Odisha Rolls Out Heritage Property Promotion Guidelines to Revive Historic Buildings Through Tourism

Bhubaneswar: Seeking to preserve Odisha’s fading architectural heritage while creating new economic opportunities, the state government has introduced the Heritage Property Promotion Guidelines–2026, opening the door for historic structures to be transformed into curated tourism destinations.

The newly notified framework, issued under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy–2026, is designed to encourage adaptive reuse of heritage assets by integrating conservation with hospitality and cultural development.

Under the guidelines, buildings constructed before 1950 and possessing historical, architectural or cultural value will qualify for recognition as Heritage Properties. These sites can be developed into tourism-linked facilities including Heritage Hotels, Heritage Museums, Heritage Restaurants and Cafes, and Heritage Banquet Halls.

Officials said the policy has been designed to ensure that preservation efforts move beyond maintenance and enable heritage structures to generate sustainable value for local communities and investors.

To support investment in restoration projects, eligible developments will receive Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) under the state tourism policy. The government has also laid down minimum operational standards for different categories. Heritage Hotels must provide at least five guest rooms, restaurants should accommodate a minimum of 30 visitors, while banquet facilities must host at least 20 guests and maintain a built-up area of no less than 500 square feet.

The policy sets strict eligibility conditions to preserve authenticity. Property owners will be required to establish the pre-1950 origin of the structure through official revenue documents, historical records, district certifications or evidence from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Applicants must additionally possess clear ownership rights or hold a valid lease for at least ten years.

Restoration and redevelopment activities will be regulated through prior approval from a designated Single Window Committee. Before permission is granted, empanelled conservation experts approved by the Tourism Department will conduct site evaluations supported by geo-tagged photographs, maps, videos and technical reports.

To prevent excessive alterations to original structures, the guidelines cap new construction at 50 per cent of the existing built-up area. At the same time, visitor-focused facilities such as landscaped spaces and swimming pools may also receive subsidy support where permitted.

The state government expects the initiative to encourage private participation in heritage conservation, revive ageing properties and generate employment through hospitality, cultural tourism and allied services.

With the new guidelines, Odisha aims to create a structured model where historic properties are preserved not as static monuments but as active cultural destinations that contribute to local economies and strengthen the state’s tourism identity.