In Bid to Make Bhubaneswar a World Heritage Site, Odisha Govt Destroys Priceless Ancient Structures
Two monthsâ worth of demolition drives to push through the Ekamra Kshetra Heritage Project, which aims to develop the old town near the 11th century Lingaraj temple, have resulted in the destruction of previously unknown 10th century temples.
Urban02/Feb/2021
Bhubaneswar: The state government of Odisha appears to be unconcerned about the history and heritage of its own regions as it conducts demolition drives in Ekamra Kshetra (Old Town) on the periphery of the 11th century Lingaraj temple as its first step to beautify the area and help put Bhubaneswar on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
ASI finds structure linked to oldest temple in Odisha
Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have uncovered an ancient stone structure near Bhubaneswarâs Shree Lingaraj Temple, believed to go back centuries in time and of immense historical importance.
The ASI was engaged in cleaning and preservation work across areas demolished by the Odisha government for a beautification project. It was near the area when it discovered the ancient ruins. The Sari temple located close proximity towards the south-east of the exposed structure of which the former is datable to circa 13th Century CE and the latter could be contemporary or earlier to the Sari Deul, ASI Odisha head Arun Mallick said. The structure is thought to be older than Shree Lingaraj Temple itself the 11th-century relic that is a storied landmark across the state and nation.
In a counter affidavit, the BMC claimed that the petitioner had constructed his house on a disputed land which is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Red Fort will remain shut till further notice as a measure against the spread of avian influenza, according to an order issued by the Archaeological Survey of India. The iconic site has been closed for visitors since January 19 after the district administration wrote to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting it to shut the monument to restrict the spread of the disease. The site was also shut from January 22 to January 26 in view of Republic Day and was scheduled to open the following day when people from across the city get an opportunity to view tableaux from the Republic Day celebrations on display at the Red Fort premises for 15 days.
Budget of Centenary and Anniversary Celebration scheme enhanced by 38.5%
India
Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 10:43 [IST]
New Delhi, Feb 02: The outlay for Annual Budget 2021-22 of Ministry of Culture is Rs. 2687.99 Crore as against the outlay (Rs. 2211.85 Crore) approved for the revised Budget Plan 2020-21.
This outlay includes provisions for 2 attached offices, 6 Subordinate offices , 34 central Autonomous Bodies and schemes of the Ministry during the Financial year 2021-22. The annual outlay in FY 2021-22 is 21.53% higher than the revised annual outlay in FY 2020-21.
Out of the total outlay for annual budget, Rs. 1042.62 Crore has been allocated to the Archaeological Survey of India. In FY 2021-22, Ministry has kept Rs. 455.20 Crore for Kala SanskritiVikasYojana, Development of Museums, International Co-operation and Centenary and Anniversary Celebration Scheme of Ministry. Under various schemes, a sum of Rs. 102.87 crore has been allocated ie under North Eastern Regio