Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Archaeology Department on Friday signed non-financial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal to strengthen heritage conservation, documentation and scientific preservation of the state’s historic and archaeological assets.

The agreements were formalised at Sanskruti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and senior officials from the Culture Department and academic institutions.

Under the MoU with IIT Kharagpur, advanced technologies such as LiDAR scanning, 3D documentation, GIS-based mapping, remote sensing and structural analysis will be deployed for scientific conservation and monitoring of heritage sites. The collaboration also aims to promote research, innovation and interdisciplinary approaches in archaeological preservation.

The partnership with SPA Bhopal focuses on heritage planning, conservation architecture, museum and exhibition design, technical advisory support, and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening institutional expertise in heritage management.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the initiative would play a transformative role in safeguarding Odisha’s cultural legacy. He noted that nearly 82 monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and around 212 state-protected monuments would benefit from the collaboration.

“Our heritage is central to Odisha’s identity. Through modern scientific tools and academic expertise, we aim to ensure long-term preservation and awareness of our historical legacy for future generations,” the Minister said.

He also announced that under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ten students from Odisha will receive internship opportunities at IIT Kharagpur in the field of heritage and architectural conservation.

During the programme, the official logo of the Odisha State Archaeology Department was also unveiled. Senior officials, academicians, and representatives from partner institutions attended the event.

The initiative reflects the state government’s increasing emphasis on integrating technology and academic collaboration for the preservation and promotion of Odisha’s cultural and architectural heritage.