According to an official statement issued, the collaborations aim to strengthen the conservation, documentation, and development of Odisha’s historic monuments, temples, heritage structures and archaeological sites through the use of modern science and technology.
Under the partnership with IIT Kharagpur, advanced technologies including LiDAR, 3D documentation, structural analysis, digital mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and scientific conservation techniques will be utilised for heritage preservation and monitoring. The initiative will also focus on research, innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge integration in the field of heritage conservation.
Meanwhile, the agreement with SPA Bhopal will support heritage planning, conservation architecture, museum and exhibition design, architectural documentation, technical advisory services and capacity-building programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the initiative would play a transformative role in safeguarding and developing the state’s heritage assets. He stated that around 82 monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India and nearly 212 monuments managed by the Odisha State Archaeology Department would benefit from the collaboration.
Describing the partnership as a landmark initiative, the Minister said Odisha’s heritage and architecture have earned the state national and international recognition, making their preservation a collective responsibility.
“Through this collaboration, modern technologies will be used for scientific conservation, digital documentation and sustainable development of heritage sites,” he said.
Suraj also stressed the importance of ensuring long-term protection and conservation of temples, monuments and other historic structures across the state.
In another major announcement, officials revealed that under the National Education Policy 2020, 10 students from Odisha will receive 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.
