A Rs 100 crore financial package to enhance Unakoti and relocation of the ASI office to Tripura from Mizoram featured in LS
New Delhi, July 30: Historic archaeological site of Tripura, Unakoti featured in the Parliament today. Also the need for the relocation of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office, responsible for Unakoti’s maintenance, from Mizoram to Tripura was highlighted in the House.
Speaking at the ongoing Parliament session, MP from the State, Biplab Kumar Deb called for a Rs 100 crore financial package to preserve and enhance Unakoti – an emerging tourism hotspot in Northeast India.
Highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance, Deb pressed the Union Culture Ministry to prioritize the site’s restoration, infrastructure development, and the relocation of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office from Mizoram to Tripura for better oversight.
Unakoti, often revered as a sacred site for Sanatanis, is renowned for its ancient rock carvings and sculptures, including millions of deity figures and mythological depictions dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.
Deb emphasized that the site’s potential as a global tourism destination remains untapped due to inadequate maintenance by the ASI, which he claimed has led to preservation challenges. “Unakoti is not just a tourism center; it is a land of faith and devotion, embodying our rich heritage,” Deb said during the session.
To transform Unakoti into a world-class destination, Deb proposed a comprehensive development plan. He urged the government to allocate funds for upgrading the one-kilometer road connecting National Highway 208 to Unakoti, alongside creating modern amenities such as an open-air theater, landscaped gardens, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, public restrooms, and a tourist rest house.
These enhancements, he argued, would cater to the growing number of visitors while preserving the site’s historical essence. Deb also criticized the operational inefficiencies caused by the ASI office’s location in Mizoram, despite most of its archaeological responsibilities lying in Tripura.
“The distance creates delays and hampers effective management,” he noted, advocating for the office’s immediate relocation to Tripura to ensure timely and efficient conservation efforts. The MP’s demands have sparked renewed attention on Unakoti’s potential to boost tourism in the Northeast, a region increasingly recognized for its cultural and natural treasures.
With millions of domestic and international tourists expressing interest in visiting, Deb’s call for action underscores the need for strategic investments to safeguard India’s heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.
The Union Culture Ministry has yet to respond to the proposal, but Deb’s address has resonated with stakeholders eager to see Unakoti emerge as a flagship destination. As discussions continue, the spotlight remains on how the government will balance heritage preservation with modern tourism demands in one of India’s most culturally significant regions.
