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Odisha Tourism Dept Inked 3 MoUs with IIT-M, NIWS Goa & LBDFI to Boost Heritage, Adventure & Buddhist Tourism.

MOUs and Agreement | Dated: 24 Aug 2025

In August 2025, the Tourism Department of Odisha signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with premier Indian organisations to promote heritage conservation, adventure tourism, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits across the state. The MoUs were signed with IIT Madras (IIT-M), the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa, and the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The MoU with IIT Madras focuses on advanced scientific techniques for structural audits and conservation of heritage monuments. This includes detailed documentation, material testing, geo-technical investigations, and preparation of project reports, ensuring scientific precision in the preservation of historic monuments.
  • - Another key feature of the IIT-M partnership is the emphasis on sustainable reuse plans and consultancy support for project management. These measures aim at long-term preservation of Odisha’s historic sites, combining traditional heritage with modern conservation technologies.
  • - The MoU with the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa is designed to boost safety and standardization in adventure and water tourism. NIWS will provide technical guidance on safety protocols, conduct evaluations, and offer training programs for tourism operators and lifeguards, thereby raising the professional standards of Odisha’s adventure tourism sector.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The collaboration with Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI), in association with the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, seeks to revive Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage.
  • (ii) This MoU focuses on developing Buddhist pilgrimage circuits while integrating heritage promotion with religious tourism, positioning Odisha as a global destination for spiritual travelers.
  • (iii) Through these three MoUs, Odisha aims to strengthen its position as a leading cultural and adventure tourism hub. By combining advanced scientific research, enhanced safety measures, and Buddhist heritage revival, the state is aligning tourism development with both economic growth and cultural preservation.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which state government signed MoUs with IIT Madras, NIWS Goa, and LBDFI to promote heritage conservation, adventure tourism, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits?

Correct Answer: Odisha

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Odisha

  • Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
  • Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati