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Assam CM Unveils UNESCO Plaque at Charaideo Moidams, Eyes Heritage Tourism Boom

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally unveiled the UNESCO World Heritage plaque at the Charaideo Moidams, marking a significant achievement for the state. He highlighted a substantial increase in tourism, with nearly 80,000 domestic visitors in the past year. The government has allocated Rs. 25 crore for conservation and plans to establish a dedicated research centre for the site. Further initiatives include promoting homestays and local festivals to develop Charaideo into a major heritage tourism destination.

Key Points: Assam CM Unveils UNESCO Plaque at Charaideo Moidams

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site status granted in 2024
  • Tourist footfall increased to 80,000 domestic visitors
  • Rs. 25 crore allocated for conservation
  • Dedicated research centre to be established
  • Plans for homestays and cultural festival promotion
2 min read

Assam CM unveils Unesco World Heritage plaque at Charaideo moidams

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils UNESCO World Heritage plaque for Charaideo Moidams, announces Rs 25 crore for conservation and a research centre.

"The global recognition has brought immense pride and joy to the people of Assam - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Feb 5

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday formally unveiled the plaque bearing the UNESCO World Heritage recognition certificate of the Charaideo Moidams, describing the historic site as a vast and largely untapped repository of academic and archaeological research.

The ceremonial unveiling was held at the Charaideo Moidam complex in Charaideo district.

The Moidams were accorded World Heritage Site status during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on July 26, 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said the global recognition has brought immense pride and joy to the people of Assam and termed it one of the most significant achievements of the state government in the past decade.

He said the UNESCO certificate has now been displayed in the form of a plaque so that visitors from across the state and beyond can view it.

Highlighting the tourism impact of the recognition, the Chief Minister said tourist footfall at Charaideo has increased substantially.

He informed that around 200 foreign tourists and nearly 80,000 domestic visitors toured the site over the past year.

Sarma said the Charaideo Moidams hold enormous potential for academic research, noting that many burial mounds are yet to be excavated and scientific processes such as DNA preservation of recovered materials have not been undertaken so far.

He announced that the state government would facilitate the establishment of a dedicated research centre for the Moidams under a state university, enabling students to pursue doctoral studies while uncovering historical artefacts.

The Chief Minister said Rs. 25 crore has already been allocated for conservation, with plans for regular maintenance, increased manpower and the creation of an annual maintenance fund.

Emphasising community participation, he said homestays and eco-friendly guesthouses would be developed, while local festivals such as Me-Dam-Me-Phi should be promoted to enhance cultural tourism.

He also stressed the need for urgent development of the buffer zone, which includes 21 Moidams, temples and royal burial sites, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Charaideo into a national and international heritage tourism destination.

Several ministers, MLAs and senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great news, but I hope the 25 crore for conservation is used transparently and effectively. We've seen funds for heritage sites get mismanaged before. The focus on community homestays is a good step for local economy.
A
Arjun K
As someone from the Northeast, this recognition means a lot. Our region's history is often overlooked in the national narrative. Charaideo's moidams are a testament to the rich Ahom civilization. Hope this boosts tourism responsibly.
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Sarah B
Visiting India next year and this is now on my list! 80,000 domestic visitors is impressive. The combination of archaeology and cultural festivals like Me-Dam-Me-Phi sounds like a unique travel experience.
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Vikram M
The DNA preservation and excavation plans are crucial. We have so much to learn from these sites. This isn't just about tourism; it's about rewriting chapters of Indian history with proper scientific backing. Kudos to the team that worked on the UNESCO application.
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Nikhil C
Good step, but the government must ensure development doesn't spoil the site's sanctity. "Eco-friendly" guesthouses should actually be eco-friendly, not just a label. The buffer zone development needs careful planning with archaeologists, not just contractors.

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