Agartala, 24th July 2026: Tripura Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has welcomed the Centre’s decision to undertake major conservation and tourism infrastructure works at the historic Unakoti Shaivite pilgrimage site, thanking Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for responding positively to the concerns he raised in Parliament.
Expressing his gratitude, Deb said the Union Minister had taken special initiatives, including the preservation of Unakoti’s iconic rock-cut sculptures and carvings and the construction of a cafeteria, following his appeal for improved conservation, maintenance and tourism infrastructure. He said these efforts would significantly strengthen Unakoti’s position on the international tourism map.
According to a letter issued by Shekhawat on July 21, 2026, Tripura’s centrally protected monuments continue to fall under the ASI’s Aizawl Circle, while conservation and development activities are being executed through sub-circle offices at Udaipur and Kailashahar.
The Minister informed that restoration of the sculptures, conservation of the rock-cut artworks and cafeteria construction are progressing and are likely to be completed soon. He also stated that establishing an ASI Circle Office in Agartala is not feasible at present due to the Archaeological Survey of India’s limited administrative and financial resources.
