Bhubaneswar: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has appointed noted environmentalist and wildlife activist Dr Biswajit Mohanty as the state convener of the Odisha Chapter.
Writer and historian Anil Dhir has been appointed as the co-convener.
INTACH was founded in 1984 in New Delhi to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Today, it is recognised as one of the world’s most significant heritage organisations, with over 250 Chapters across the country. In the past 40 years, INTACH has pioneered the conservation and preservation of both natural, built heritage and intangible heritage. It has various divisions such as Architectural Heritage, Natural Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Heritage Education and Communication Services (HECS), INTACH Heritage Academy, Heritage Tourism, Listing Cell and INTACH Knowledge Centre.
Odisha has a vibrant network of 13 chapters across the state. The state convener will co-ordinate with the state chapters to secure government and public cooperation for protection, preservation and upkeep of arts, culture and heritage of the State.
In the last two decades, INTACH has played a pivotal role in identifying and documenting over 7,000 neglected heritage sites throughout Odisha, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of the state’s rich cultural legacy. Some of the notable initiatives include the extensive documentation of the historic Jagannath Sadak (from Kolkata to Puri), the Mahanadi and Prachi River Valley civilizations, the Tribal Heritage of Koraput, and the Sacred Temple Tanks of Bhubaneswar.
INTACH’s Conservation Centre has restored numerous rare palm leaf manuscripts, safeguarding centuries-old knowledge and artistry. It also played a crucial role in the restoration and preservation of significant heritage landmarks like the Odisha State Maritime Museum and the Museum of Justice at Cuttack, the ancestral home of Jankinath Bose in Puri, the Sambalpur Town Hall and the George Library in Balangir.
Dhir said that while there are only 81 ASI Protected Monuments and 218 State Protected Monuments, there are many old monuments which should be included in the list. “The theft of temple idols and artefacts is equally alarming. INTACH will soon complete listing the unprotected monuments in a district wise phase all over the state,” he said.
He also informed about plans to open Heritage Clubs in schools, colleges and universities for implementing the guidelines of the New Education Policy.
