The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Odisha Chapter has handed over memorandums to the mainstream political parties, the BJP, the BJD and the Congress, in the State on issues relating to Odisha’s heritage.
State Convener of INTACH, AB Tripathy said the parties have been requested to incorporate the following points in their manifestos with a commitment of fulfilling them:
(1) Enact up-to-date laws for protecting and conserving Odisha’s heritage. (2) Formulate a heritage policy for the State. (3) Take emergency steps to save heritage. (4) Develop the tourism potential of the State. (5) Set up special training centres for continued skill training in ancient art forms like temple architecture, murals, carvings, etc for capacity building.
The INTACH has pointed out that temples, palaces, archaeological sites, caves, monuments, etc of Odisha are in an advanced state of damage and dilapidation. Even important State symbols like the Sun Temple of Konark are in a very precarious condition. The Archaeological Survey of India is neglecting the proper upkeep of the State’s valued heritage. The State Archaeological Department is in a moribund state. The Government needs to take these measures on a war footing.
The INTACH has expressed the hope that the political parties will include all this in their manifestos.
