Tripura demands world heritage status for Unokuti

Agartala, Apr 28: The Tripura government has demanded world heritage status for Unokuti in the state's north district.

The famous tourist spot is situated on a hilltop, about 15 kms from the North district hadquarters of Kailashahar.

The place is renowned for the sculptures of gods and goddesses cut out of stones on the hills. Many of these were either damaged or stolen for lack of maintenance.

''It is the responsibility of the Archaeological Department of the Government of India to look after Unokuti,'' an official said.

Rural Development Minister Jitendra Chowdhury, speaking at the Fourth Regional North Eastern Council(NEC) summit organised at Gangtok yesterday, appealed to the people to create a Buddhist tourist circuit with West and South districts of Tripura to attract foreign tourists.

The minister also said there was potential for the development of tourism in the NE region.

The region boasts unique culture and festivals of tribals which are highly praised by foreigners, Mr Chowdhury remarked.

He also stressed for unification of the forest department with the Archaeological Department to protect spots like Unokuti.

Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni, also present in the two day summit, said one Institute of Hotel Management will be opened in every state for which the respective governments have to give five acres of land.

Mr Manishankar Aiyer, Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, presided over the summit.

UNI