The Odisha State Archaeology Department has signed non-financial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Kharagpur and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, to preserve the state’s heritage and architectural legacy. This collaboration aims to use modern science and technology to strengthen the conservation, documentation, and development of historic monuments, temples, heritage structures, and archaeological sites in Odisha. Advanced technologies like LiDAR, 3D documentation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be employed for heritage preservation and monitoring under the partnership with IIT Kharagpur.
The MoU with SPA Bhopal will focus on heritage planning, conservation architecture, museum design, architectural documentation, and capacity-building programs. Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed that this initiative will be transformative in safeguarding and enhancing the state’s heritage assets. Approximately 82 monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 212 monuments under the Odisha State Archaeology Department are set to benefit from this collaboration.
Minister Suraj highlighted the importance of preserving Odisha’s cultural and architectural heritage for future generations. He emphasized the utilization of modern technologies for scientific conservation, digital documentation, and sustainable development of heritage sites. Additionally, he stressed the significance of ensuring the safety, protection, and long-term conservation of temples, monuments, and historic structures throughout the state.
As part of the collaboration, 10 students from Odisha will receive internship opportunities at IIT Kharagpur in the field of heritage and architectural conservation under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The official logo of the Odisha State Archaeology Department was also unveiled during the program.
