New Delhi, July 30: Raising the issue of heritage preservation and tourism development in Tripura, former Chief Minister and MP Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday demanded a ₹100-crore package in the Lok Sabha for the conservation, restoration, and infrastructure development of Unakoti — one of Northeast India’s most promising archaeological and spiritual destinations.
Deb also urged the Union Culture Minister to shift the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office responsible for Unakoti’s upkeep from Mizoram to Tripura for better efficiency.
Speaking in Parliament, Deb described Unakoti as a sacred site deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma, home to nearly one crore rock-cut sculptures of gods and goddesses and mythological motifs, dating back to the 8th–9th centuries.
He alleged that ASI’s poor supervision was hampering preservation efforts and emphasized the need for comprehensive infrastructure to attract lakhs of domestic and international tourists eager to visit the site.
Deb’s demands included the repair and widening of the one-kilometer road stretch from NH-208 to Unakoti, landscaping, construction of an open-air theatre, assembly ground, souvenir shops, cafeterias, public conveniences, tourist rest houses, and other essential facilities to enhance the tourist experience.
Highlighting administrative hurdles, the Tripura MP said that despite most archaeological sites under the ASI’s jurisdiction being located in Tripura, the office operates from Mizoram, causing delays and inefficiency. He strongly pressed for relocating the office to Tripura.
Unakoti, with its unique blend of archaeology, culture, and spirituality, has long been considered a hidden treasure of the Northeast. Deb said that with the right investment and attention, it could become a world-class tourism destination, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
