Sirpur, which hosts Buddhist sites and the renowned 7th-century Laxman Temple, is situated along the banks of the Mahanadi River, opposite the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and about 85 km from Raipur.
Earlier this month, a comprehensive assessment of all monuments and archaeological sites in Sirpur was conducted to evaluate the sustainable development of these historic areas in light of the proposed World Heritage nomination, Dhammshil Ganvir, chief executive officer of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) in Sirpur, explained to PTI.
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He mentioned that the goal is to provide modern tourist amenities without jeopardizing the archaeological and cultural significance of the region.
The proposal for UNESCO World Heritage nomination was submitted to the Union Culture Ministry six months ago, Ganvir added, also serving as the divisional forest officer of the adjacent Balodabazar forest division.
All 34 identified monuments and archaeological locations in Sirpur will be organized into four thematic clusters to enhance site management and improve the tourist experience. Each cluster will include essential amenities such as rest shelters, drinking water stations, interpretive signage, pathways, and sanitation facilities.
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Ganvir highlighted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken significant efforts to bolster connectivity between lesser-known sites and primary access routes, greatly improving visitor access and overall experience.
The ASI’s work to restore and spotlight forgotten sites in Sirpur is “exemplary and outstanding,” he shared.
In the coming months, the ASI will create connecting pathways to ensure smooth transit across the tourist circuit. Following this, SADA Sirpur plans to implement battery-operated vehicles for travel between clusters.
This initiative will not only facilitate convenient and eco-friendly transportation but also generate job opportunities for the local populace, he noted.
Ganvir added that identified mounds and areas with archaeological significance will be surveyed and excavated in collaboration with the State Department of Archaeology and recognized universities, pending necessary authorizations from the ASI director general.
These investigations will enrich the understanding of Sirpur’s archaeological treasures and bolster its World Heritage nomination, he stated.
As part of its inclusive tourism initiatives, the ASI has already introduced amenities for visitors with disabilities, including Braille signage, tactile pathways, sign-language interpretation videos, and Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences.
Additionally, it has been decided that government land adjacent to ASI-protected monuments will be transferred to the ASI to enhance site management and preservation, he noted.
The South Central Cultural Zone (SCCZ) will take part in organizing quarterly national cultural, folk, handicraft, and art fairs in Sirpur to maintain continual tourist engagement, with plans to elevate the Sirpur Festival into a major cultural event for the area, Ganvir revealed.
Local communities and stakeholders will play a crucial role in fostering sustainable development, creating job opportunities, and promoting heritage-based tourism, he emphasized.
Sirpur has been observing World Heritage Week since Wednesday to raise awareness of India’s cultural heritage and bolster community involvement in its preservation, he added.
