Spaekers criticise apathy in preserving monuments at Ganjam

Academics and historians have expressed anguish over government neglect in protecting and preserving rich monuments and historically important sites in Odisha's Ganjam district.
"Ganjam is full of antiquities, many of which have not yet got the publicity they deserve. The shrines and monuments, which mirror the rich cultural heritage of the district, are fast fading due to apathy of the government," said speakers at a meet organised by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), Ganjam chapter yesterday.
Some of the artifacts are famous Ashokan rock edicts at Jaugada, Potagarh near Ganjam town, Biranchi Narayan Temple, known as wooden Konark, at Buguda, Budhakhol near Buguda, Palur Hill near Kanishi, Mahurigarh and Malatigarh near Aska and Krishnagiri Hill at Khallikote.

"Since the rock edicts at Jaugada are fading, there is a need to re-write them and translate them into Odia, English and Hindi," noted writer and historian Sudarshan Acharya said.
State chief of INTACH A B Tripathy exhorted the historians to document historically-important places and monuments in the district.
"This will be helpful in preserving the district's rich cultural heritage," he said.
Noted academician and former professor P K Sahu said the development of historical sites will not only attract tourists but also historians and researchers from across the country and abroad.