Bhubaneswar: Out of more than 3,000 identified temples and monuments of archaeological importance in Odisha, only 294 have been declared protected monuments by the state and central governments, according to a written reply by Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in the Assembly.
Of the 294 protected monuments, 212 are under the State Archaeology Department, while 82 have been declared centrally protected monuments, the minister said in response to a question by BJD MLA Prasanna Acharya on the renovation of ancient temples in the state.
The minister said the State Archaeology Department has been allocated ₹7 crore for protected monuments and ₹13 crore for both protected and unprotected monuments during the current financial year for their maintenance and conservation.
In the previous financial year, ₹5 crore was allocated for protected monuments, while ₹10.9 crore was provided for the upkeep of both protected and unprotected monuments, he said.
Suraj also rejected the allegation that the funds sanctioned for the maintenance and development of ancient monuments were not being utilised.
