Sirpur Speeds Up UNESCO World Heritage Push with Mega Conservation Plan

Sirpur Gears Up for UNESCO World Heritage Nomination with Major Conservation and Tourism Upgrades

Chhattisgarh’s ancient heritage town Sirpur , located along the Mahanadi river, is witnessing accelerated development as authorities prepare to submit it for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. A joint technical review by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA) marks the beginning of an elaborate preservation-tourism expansion to elevate the site to global standards.

A Historic Multi-Faith Cultural Centre

Dating from 5th–12th Century CE , Sirpur flourished as a major intellectual and religious hub. The region is unique for its coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments , many still intact or recently excavated.
Key structures shaping the nomination include:
• Lakshmana Temple — one of India’s finest early brick temples.
• Surang Tila Complex — monumental stepped architecture.
• Buddhist viharas, palace foundations, monastic cells, granaries and ancient market plazas.

Advanced water-management channels and urban street alignments further highlight Sirpur’s planning sophistication.

Why UNESCO Tag Matters

A World Heritage inscription can boost tourism, draw global research attention and ensure sustained funding for site protection. The riverine cultural landscape satisfies UNESCO criteria for outstanding universal value , combining tangible heritage with living cultural memory.

Integrated Heritage Development Plan

Officials are mapping four spatial clusters —

1. Buddhist Monastic Zone

2. Hindu Temple Complexes

3. Civic–Administrative Remains

4. Riverine Sacred Landscape

These will be linked via a single heritage mobility corridor with battery vehicles, shaded pathways and interpretive signages. Survey-based land acquisition and mound protection plans are being finalised to prevent encroachments and allow future excavations.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Sirpur houses 34 major monuments , spanning Hindu-Buddhist-Jain traditions.

• ASI + SADA lead the nomination preparation.

• Lakshmana Temple: 7th-century brick architectural masterpiece .

• Four heritage clusters to be connected by integrated pathways.