In the recent times, there has been a lot of talks regarding Unakoti, one of the best kept hidden treasures getting the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The rock carvings and murals dating back to the 8th and 9th Century are as mesmerizing as any of India’s heritage sites. The name of the place which literally translates to one less than a crore (ten million) has many fascinating tales behind it. The massive rock carvings of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh are among the biggest attractions in this place beside thousands of other smaller ones which dot the pristine hill. 

While it has remained out of the radar of backpackers, researchers and the typical Indian tourists for long, all that is about to change. In recent press briefings officials of the Archaeological Survey of India have stated that the site is closer to joining the list of a little more than 800 places on earth that belong to this prestigious list. At present, there are 35 sites in India that enjoy this status. If granted it would be the first such site in Tripura and only the third in North East to have this status. So what will it mean for Unakoti? Let’s find out. 

It Will Put Unakoti On Global Map

For all its beauty, magnificence and cultural significance Unakoti has remained out of the radar of the Indian tourist let alone the global travelers. And with this status, the footfalls to this place are expected to rise exponentially. There would be increased awareness about this place and also a novelty factor attached to it which can easily be cashed on by the State Tourism and various other stakeholders. This can also propel Tripura’s tourism economy to new heights and also create new avenues of employment for the locals. 

Funding For Preservation

One of the biggest and most obvious benefits of attaining the World Heritage Site status would be access to much-needed funds for preservation. While the Archaeological Survey of India has taken up basic preservation project at the site there is a lot more that remains desired. Like most other projects under its watch, Unakoti may fall into the same trap of bureaucratic system of preservation. With increasing footfalls the site faces new dangers and also the danger of encroachment in setting up of businesses to cater the needs of the tourists. Once it gets the heritage site tag it would have access to UNESCO funds that can help preserve the place. 

Conservation Efforts Will Become Mandatory

The World Heritage tag will also be a boost for the conservation efforts it terms of it becoming mandatory. The State Government, the ASI and all other agencies involved in the conservation of this place will have to walk the extra mile to conserve it. Global Heritage sites belong to the world and not merely to the local governments or communities and hence there are serious repercussions and loss of face on a global stage if the custodians don’t do justice with their conservation efforts. This would prevent cases of encroachment which are common to many historical sites in India and have led to irreparable damage. 

While Unakoti has a lot to gain with the World Heritage Site status it will also have to the downside. The exponential growth in footfalls can often lead to urbanization around the site and ultimately lead to its destruction. Hope Unakoti will overcome this challenge and stand tall for centuries as it has done in the past and amaze us today as one of India’s most beautiful cultural heritage.