Bhubaneswar, March 6: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has appealed to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to declare the Debrigarh-Bhim Mandal-Hirakud area as a designated tourism circuit. This initiative, he believes, will help enhance Odisha's tourism industry and solidify India’s position as a leading destination for heritage tourism.
Pradhan has also requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assume responsibility for the protection and preservation of Bhim Mandal, a historically significant site.
In a letter to Shekhawat, he emphasized the cultural, historical, and tourism potential of Bhim Mandal, Debrigarh, and Hirakud, stating that these locations hold immense significance for both history and tourism.
Bhim Mandal, situated approximately 100 km from the Hirakud Dam, is an important tourist destination. The site is renowned for its ancient rock paintings and inscriptions, some dating back thousands of years. As Odisha's oldest rock art region, it features large rocks decorated with depictions of deer, elephants, animal footprints, and bees. These artifacts suggest early human habitation in the area. The site’s name is believed to be derived from Bhima, a figure from the Mahabharata, owing to its mythological connections.
The historical importance, natural beauty, and mythology associated with Bhim Mandal have drawn the attention of historians, nature lovers, religious devotees, tourists, and adventure enthusiasts. However, the site has suffered from neglect, leading to the deterioration of its ancient rock art. Much of the artwork has already faded or vanished. Pradhan noted that historians, heritage conservationists, and local communities have long urged the ASI to designate Bhim Mandal as a protected monument to ensure its preservation.
To safeguard this valuable heritage site, Pradhan stressed the need for ASI’s professional expertise and adequate resources for proper protection and conservation. Preserving this historical treasure, he argued, is crucial for future generations.
Pradhan also highlighted the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located between the Hirakud Dam and its adjacent reservoir. The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife and holds archaeological significance, as tools and artifacts from ancient times have been found there, indicating early human settlement. As part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the sanctuary is already recognized for its tourism potential.
Additionally, Pradhan pointed out the tourism appeal of the Hirakud Dam, the world’s largest dam on the Mahanadi River, known for its expansive reservoir and surrounding green hills. He emphasized that the area is ideal for sustainable, eco-friendly tourism and urged Shekhawat to support the declaration of Debrigarh-Bhim Mandal-Hirakud as an official tourism circuit.
Pradhan had visited the Bhim Mandal site near the Champali River in the Naktideul block of Sambalpur district on February 25. During the visit, he engaged with ASI officials to discuss the site’s origin, heritage, history, and the importance of preserving accurate historical data related to human civilization.
