Dharmendra Seeks Centre’s Intervention For Protection Of Archaeological Assets In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the Centre’s intervention for putting a halt to operations at the Khandolite mining site near Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex in Odisha’s Jajpur district to ensure protection of archaeological assets and natural ecology of the area.

In a letter to Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, Dharmendra urged him to take immediate action to stop the destructive mining activity at the Khandolite mining site in Parabadhi, Sukhuapada village in the vicinity of the Buddbist complex.

The Union Education and Skill Development Minister said stoppage of mining operation in the area is necessary to save the Sukhuapada site from further destruction and protect archaeological assets and natural ecology of the area.

The senior BJP leader also sought Reddy’s personal intervention in stopping large scale mining and earthmoving activities at Sisupalgarh in Khurda district of the state.

“Sisupalgarh is a site of immense historical significance. Immediate action is required to protect and conserve our priceless heritage,” Dharmendra said.

The BJP leader also requested the Union Minister to direct the Odisha government to act immediately on vandals and stop earthmoving activities, illegal excavations and mining on the ramparts of the protected areas of Sisupalgarh.