Govt Pushes UNESCO Nomination for Sirpur: Major Conservation & Tourism Revamp Announced

Why in the News ?

Sirpur, an ancient 5th–12th century archaeological complex in Chhattisgarh, is undergoing a major restoration push as the Government advances its bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A recent joint inspection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA) marks a significant step toward formal nomination.

Located along the Mahanadi River, about two hours from Raipur, Sirpur houses 34 monuments representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. The government’s new plan includes battery-powered mobility options, digital storytelling systems, and enhanced visitor infrastructure to strengthen its UNESCO credentials.

What is a UNESCO World Heritage Tag ?

• UNESCO designates sites of “Outstanding Universal Value”—cultural, natural, or mixed—significant to all humanity.
• The World Heritage Committee evaluates nominations from member nations.
• Benefits of being listed include:
  • International visibility
  • Tourism boost
  • Funding and technical assistance
  • Stronger preservation requirements
• Inscription also places obligations on governments to ensure long-term protection, conservation, and sustainable management.
• Overall, the UNESCO tag enhances global prestige and supports research, heritage protection, and local development.

Historical Significance of Sirpur

A Multi-Religious Urban Centre

• Known historically as Shripur/Sripura, Sirpur thrived between the 5th and 12th centuries.
• First documented by Alexander Cunningham in 1882.
• Excavations (1950s–2000s) uncovered:
  • 22 Shiva temples
  • 5 Vishnu temples
  • 10 Buddhist viharas
  • 3 Jain viharas
• Served as the capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties.
• Archaeological remains include palaces, marketplaces, stupas, meditation cells, and ancient water systems.

Notable Architectural Marvels

• Lakshmana Temple (7th century): Among India’s finest brick temples dedicated to Vishnu.
• Surang Tila: A dramatic high-rise temple complex with 37 steep steps and a panchayatana layout (five-shrine design).
• Buddhist viharas such as Tivaradeva Mahavihara highlight Sirpur’s prominence as a Buddhist learning centre.

A Riverine Cultural Landscape

• Situated by the Mahanadi, Sirpur’s ghats, temples, and ancient settlements form a unique cultural-natural heritage landscape.
• This strengthens its eligibility under UNESCO’s mixed heritage category.

What the Government Plans to Implement

1. Improved Visitor Access & Mobility

• Presently, tourists spend nearly three hours navigating village paths to cover the monuments.
• Government aims to reduce this by one hour, introducing:
  • Heritage pathways
  • Paved access routes
  • Eco-friendly battery-operated vehicles

2. Thematic Clustering of Monuments

Sirpur will be developed into four interconnected heritage zones:

1. Buddhist Monastic Cluster
2. Hindu Temple Cluster
3. Civic–Administrative Cluster
4. Riverine Sacred Landscape

A primary pathway will connect all clusters, with secondary pathways ensuring last-mile access.

3. Land Transfer & Strengthened Site Management

• ASI has sought 30 hectares of additional state land to unify:
  • Monument surroundings
  • Approach roads
  • Buffer areas
  • Conservation infrastructure
• Archaeological mounds with high potential will undergo new surveys and excavations to uncover more structures—boosting Sirpur’s UNESCO nomination.