West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb has made a strong pitch in Parliament for a Rs. 100-crore central package aimed at transforming Unakoti into a world-class heritage and spiritual tourism destination.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Deb urged the Union Ministry of Culture to sanction the funds for a comprehensive conservation and tourism development plan for the ancient site, famous for its intricate rock-cut sculptures dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.

Unakoti is not just a cluster of archaeological wonders; it is a living symbol of India’s Sanatan heritage. Yet it suffers from chronic neglect, Deb said. He called for urgent intervention to restore and preserve the site, which falls under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

A significant part of his demand was administrative reform—Deb proposed shifting the ASI regional office currently based in Mizoram to Tripura, arguing that the existing setup has resulted in operational inefficiencies and delayed conservation work. 

The bulk of the ASI-protected sites in this region are in Tripura. Managing them from Mizoram is neither practical nor effective, he added.

The Rs. 100-crore package, Deb explained, would fund critical infrastructure including the widening of the road connecting NH-208 to Unakoti, landscaping of the site, construction of an open-air auditorium, and installation of tourist amenities such as souvenir shops, clean restrooms, cafeterias, and resting facilities.

He emphasized that improving accessibility and tourist services is essential to meet the growing number of visitors to the site, which has gained renewed national attention after being proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Deb concluded his remarks by appealing for the Centre’s proactive role in not only preserving the spiritual and cultural essence of Unakoti but also unlocking its full tourism potential for the benefit of Tripura’s economy.