Collaboration Aims to Modernise Preservation of Odisha’s Historic Monuments and Temples
In a major initiative to preserve Odisha’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, the Odisha State Archaeology Department has signed non-financial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal.
The MoUs were signed at Sanskruti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on May 22, 2026. The collaboration aims to strengthen the conservation, documentation, and development of Odisha’s temples, heritage structures, archaeological sites, and historic monuments using modern scientific methods and technology.
Advanced Technology to Be Used for Heritage Preservation
Under the partnership with IIT Kharagpur, several advanced technologies will be used for scientific conservation and monitoring of heritage sites. These include:
- LiDAR technology
- 3D documentation
- Structural analysis
- Digital mapping
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote sensing
- Scientific conservation methods
The collaboration will also focus on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing in the field of heritage conservation.
SPA Bhopal to Support Heritage Planning and Architectural Conservation
The MoU with SPA Bhopal will support various aspects of heritage planning and conservation architecture. The institution will provide expertise in:
- Museum and exhibition design
- Architectural documentation
- Technical advisory services
- Capacity-building programmes
- Conservation planning
Officials said the partnership would help improve long-term preservation strategies for Odisha’s historic structures and cultural sites.
Culture Minister Calls It a Landmark Initiative
Speaking at the event, Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the initiative as a transformative step for preserving the state’s heritage assets.
He said around 82 monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India and nearly 212 monuments under the Odisha State Archaeology Department would benefit from the collaboration.
The minister stated that Odisha’s heritage and architecture have given the state national and international recognition, making it essential to preserve these treasures for future generations.
Internship Opportunities for Odisha Students
In another major announcement, officials informed that under the National Education Policy 2020, ten students from Odisha will receive internship opportunities at IIT Kharagpur in the field of heritage and architectural conservation.
The initiative is expected to encourage young researchers and students to engage with heritage preservation through scientific and technological approaches.
Official Logo of Archaeology Department Unveiled
During the programme, the official logo of the Odisha State Archaeology Department was also unveiled.
Several senior officials, academicians, and experts attended the event, including:
- Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya
- Deba Prasad Dash
- Dr. Devjani Bhuyan
- Dr. Chandra Sekhar Hota
- Prof. Gaurav Das Mahapatra
- Prof. Kailash Rao
- Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda
- Prof. Prasanna Kumar Swain
Government Focuses on Technology-Driven Heritage Conservation
The collaboration reflects the Odisha Government’s growing focus on integrating technology, academic expertise, and scientific research for the protection and promotion of the state’s cultural heritage.
Officials believe the initiative will play a significant role in ensuring the safety, conservation, and sustainable development of Odisha’s temples, monuments, and archaeological sites in the years ahead.