Bhubaneswar, June 16: Eight heritage sites, currently in different stages of ruin along the Orissa coast, are set to be renovated and conserved under the World Bank-assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP).

The ICZMP — a joint initiative of the Union environment ministry, World Bank and the state government — is being implemented on a pilot basis in Orissa.

“One of the important components of the project is the restoration of eight glorious maritime and religious monuments that need to be protected and preserved for the posterity,” chief minister Naveen Patnaik said today.

The preservation and restoration of the heritage sites would be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 7.41 crore over a period of five years with technical support from experts such as LASA-INTACH, said ICZMP project director Ajit Kumar Patnaik.

The project would include structural and chemical preservation, environmental betterment and illumination of the monuments.

“The aesthetic and classic look of the monuments and cultural sites would be maintained,” said the project director.

The eight heritage sites identified for restoration and tourism promotion are 17th century Potagada fort, British cemetery, 10th century Bateswar temple in Ganjam district, 13th century Baba Kundaleswar temple and Baliharachandi temple in Puri district, Hariharadeva temple in Khurda district and 19th century colonial building and an ancient Jagannath temple in Kendrapara district.

“Most of these monuments are situated along important tourist circuits. The monuments have the potential to be developed into heritage tourism sites which can address the livelihood issues of the local communities,” said Naveen while inaugurating a state-level workshop on community livelihood opportunities from conservation and enhancement of maritime built heritage here today.

“The project component aims at providing livelihood opportunities for communities at the eight heritage sites,” he said.

A study, undertaken with funding support from the Italian Trust Fund for Culture and Sustainable Development, had recommended for community participation in the preservation of heritage sites.

Different livelihood activities such as tourist guide, food kiosk, paid hospitality, public conveyance, boat-making and selling of handicrafts would be promoted through heritage tourism.

“Local committees have been formed at the heritage sites to encourage local participation in this unique conservation project. Several rounds of village-level workshops are being organised for community consultation and sharing of best practices of cultural conservation,” said project director Patnaik.