Bhubaneswar, 16 January (H.S.):Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting at Lokaseva Bhawan to assess the integrated development, conservation and tourism management of prominent heritage and religious sites in the capital city, including Kedar Gouri, Khandagiri, Kapileshwar and Mukteshwar.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the launch of a large-scale cleanliness and public awareness campaign, with necessary funds to be provided by the concerned departments. Emphasising a holistic approach, she stated that heritage conservation, tourism promotion and environmental sustainability must advance simultaneously.

Based on observations made during her recent site visits, key issues such as scientific waste management within temple premises, desilting and rejuvenation of kunds and other water bodies, drainage improvement, and maintenance of water sources were discussed in detail. Directions were issued to conduct site inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan covering drainage, pumping and regular maintenance works under the jurisdiction of temple trusts, local bodies and other concerned authorities, with the engagement of appropriate technical teams.

The meeting underscored the need for close coordination among the Tourism Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Endowment Department and local administration to ensure effective sanitation, water quality management and regular upkeep of the monuments. Priority cleaning and pumping operations will be undertaken wherever required.

To enhance the visitor experience, the deployment of trained guides for dissemination of historical and cultural information was suggested. It was also decided to ensure proper functioning of interpretation centres and to plan for the creation of ramps and universal accessibility facilities at the sites in future.

The meeting was attended by Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department; Lalatendu Jena, Commissioner of Endowments; Deepankar Mohapatra, Director, Tourism; Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Chanchal Rana, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; representatives from the office of the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bhubaneswar Circle; Amrit Ruturaj, Collector, Khordha; Dr. Manoranjan Sahu, Sub-Collector, Khordha; and Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda