Central Push to Highlight Unakoti Archaeological Site

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey visited the historic Unakoti archaeological site in Tripura on Thursday.

During his visit, he reviewed Central welfare schemes, interacted with tribal leaders, and highlighted the Centre’s commitment to preserving indigenous heritage and promoting heritage tourism in Northeast India.

Quick Glance

Union Minister Durga Das Uikey visited the historic Unakoti archaeological site in Tripura.
The Minister reviewed several flagship Central Government welfare schemes at Kailashahar.
He inspected TRLM projects, Self-Help Group initiatives, and Eklavya Model Residential School at Kumarghat.
The visit highlighted the Centre’s focus on tribal welfare, cultural preservation, and heritage tourism.

Agartala: Iconic archaeological destination, Unakoti of Tripura received renewed national attention after Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey visited the historic site on Thursday. The visit underlined the Central Government’s increasing focus on preserving indigenous heritage and strengthening tourism infrastructure in the Northeast.

The Minister’s tour combined heritage promotion with developmental review meetings across Unakoti district. He also interacted with tribal communities, women’s Self-Help Groups, students, and local administrators during his day-long visit.

Union Minister Explores Unakoti’s Ancient Heritage

The Union Minister visited Unakoti, one of Tripura’s most celebrated archaeological and religious sites. Known for its massive rock-cut carvings and ancient Shaivite sculptures, the site attracts visitors from across India every year.

Officials briefed the Minister about the archaeological importance of the site and the legends associated with it. The centuries-old carvings, nestled amid forested hills, represent a major cultural asset for Tripura and the Northeast region.

During the visit, Uikey appreciated the efforts to preserve the heritage complex. He also stressed the importance of promoting indigenous culture and archaeological tourism.

The Minister was accompanied by Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amlendu Das, District Magistrate Megha Jain, and other district officials.

Focus on Heritage Tourism in Northeast India

The visit reflects the Central Government’s broader strategy to promote heritage tourism across Northeast India. Over the last few years, the region has witnessed increased policy attention in sectors such as tourism, connectivity, tribal welfare, and cultural preservation.

Officials believe Unakoti has strong potential to emerge as a major national and international tourism destination. Improved infrastructure, road connectivity, and tourism promotion could significantly boost local economic activity in the coming years.

Tripura’s tourism sector has increasingly focused on heritage circuits involving Unakoti, Neermahal, and Tripura Sundari Temple. The state government has also pushed eco-tourism and cultural tourism initiatives.

Welfare Schemes Reviewed at Kailashahar

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister chaired a review meeting at Kailashahar regarding the implementation of several Central Government schemes.

The discussion covered multiple flagship welfare programmes aimed at housing, healthcare, rural connectivity, energy access, and livelihood development.

Officials from various departments presented updates regarding implementation and outreach in the district.

Interaction with Tribal Leaders and SHGs

At Kailashahar Circuit House, the Minister met tribal leaders and discussed issues related to development, education, livelihoods, and cultural preservation.

Later, he visited development projects under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) in Kumarghat subdivision. These included an incense stick manufacturing unit, a rainwater harvesting centre, and a Panchayat Resource Centre.

The Minister also interacted with women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Discussions focused on entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and rural livelihood generation.

Officials said such initiatives are helping women in rural Tripura achieve greater economic independence.

Visit to Eklavya Model Residential School

During his Kumarghat visit, Uikey inspected the Eklavya Model Residential School and interacted with students, teachers, and parents.

Union Minister Durga Das Uikey visiting the historic Unakoti archaeological site in Tripura

He discussed academic activities, hostel facilities, and educational opportunities available for tribal students. The Minister said the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to the holistic development of tribal communities.

According to him, developmental initiatives targeting education, livelihood, and infrastructure have accelerated socio-economic growth among tribal populations across the country.

Why Unakoti Matters for Tripura

Unakoti remains one of the most unique archaeological landmarks in Northeast India. Historians and tourism experts consider the site a major symbol of Tripura’s cultural identity.

The heritage complex combines mythology, spirituality, archaeology, and natural beauty. As tourism demand rises in the Northeast, destinations like Unakoti could play a crucial role in expanding Tripura’s tourism economy.

Experts believe stronger promotion, digital outreach, and infrastructure development may help position the site on India’s major heritage tourism map.