Odisha signs pact with IIT Kharagpur, SPA Bhopal for conservation of heritage structures
Bhubaneswar, May 23
In a major step towards the conservation of Odisha's rich heritage and architectural legacy, the Odisha State Archaeology Department has signed non-financial Memoranda of Understanding with IIT Kharagpur and School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, during a special event in Bhubaneswar.
According to an official statement released on Friday, the collaboration aims to strengthen the conservation, documentation and development of Odisha's historic monuments, temples, heritage structures and archaeological sites through the integration of modern science and technology.
"Under the partnership with IIT Kharagpur, advanced technologies such as LiDAR, 3D documentation, structural analysis, digital mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and scientific conservation methodologies will be utilised for heritage preservation and monitoring. The collaboration will also focus on research, innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge integration in the field of heritage conservation," the department said.
It also added that the MoU with SPA Bhopal will support heritage planning and conservation architecture, museum and exhibition design, architectural documentation, technical advisory support and capacity-building programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the initiative would play a transformative role in protecting and developing the state's heritage assets.
He added that around 82 monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and nearly 212 monuments under the Odisha State Archaeology Department would benefit from the initiative.
The Minister described the collaboration as a landmark step towards preserving Odisha's glorious cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.
"Our heritage and architecture have given Odisha a unique recognition at the national and international levels. It is our responsibility to preserve these historic sites and make future generations aware of their significance. Through this collaboration, modern technologies will be used for scientific conservation, digital documentation and sustainable development of heritage sites," he said.
Minister Suraj also emphasised that special importance would be given to the safety, protection and long-term conservation of temples, monuments and historic structures across the state.
In another significant announcement, it was told that under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, 10 students from Odisha will get internship opportunities at IIT Kharagpur in the field of heritage and architectural conservation.
During the programme, the official logo of the Odisha State Archaeology Department was also unveiled.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wonderful to see academic institutions partnering with state archaeology. I've visited Konark and Puri temples - they're architectural marvels. Modern tech like GIS and remote sensing can really help monitor structural health and prevent decay.
Finally some serious action! I'm glad they're including internships for 10 students under NEP. But 10 is too less for such a huge state - we have hundreds of heritage structures. Need more grassroots level training for local archaeologists too.
As someone from Odisha, I'm really happy. Our state's temples are not just places of worship but living heritage. The collaboration with SPA Bhopal for museum design and architectural documentation is a smart move. Hope the state government allocates proper funds too!
Impressive use of technology - LiDAR and 3D mapping are game changers for conservation. But I hope the focus isn't only on famous monuments. Many smaller, less-known heritage sites in rural Odisha also need urgent attention.
This is a welcome step! The minister's emphasis on safety and long-term conservation is important. I just hope they also involve local communities and traditional craftsmen who understand the original building techniques. Modern tech alone won't preserve our heritage without traditional knowledge.
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