Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday urged people of the state to pledge to preserve the richness and diversity of Odisha’s heritage.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, Naveen said Odisha is endowed with treasure trove of natural beauty, cultures, idyllic rural landscapes which are integral part of our rich heritage. On International Day for Monuments and Sites, let’s pledge to preserve & cherish the richness and diversity.
#Odisha is endowed with treasure trove of natural beauty, cultures, idyllic rural landscapes which are integral part of our rich heritage. On International Day for Monuments and Sites, let’s pledge to preserve & cherish the richness and diversity #WorldHeritageDay. pic.twitter.com/T281Xc64tF
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) April 18, 2019
Notably, April 18 is observed as International Monuments and Sites Day, traditionally called the World Heritage Day, to celebrate and promote the cultural heritage across the world.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982, suggested that April 18 be celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites and UNESCO approved the proposal the next year during its 22nd General Conference.
This special day offers an opportunity to raise the public’s awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as draw attention to its vulnerability.
The Commissionerate Police had also tweeted, stating that damaging monuments and heritage sites is a punishable offence.
Damaging monuments & heritage sites is a punishable offence and might lead to imprisonment up to two years and fine up to Rs one lakh. #ActResponsibly #WorldHeritageDay pic.twitter.com/DLszAfgybF
— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) April 18, 2019