The Odisha government has taken a significant step to transform the state's architectural heritage into viable tourism assets by notifying operational guidelines for the promotion of heritage properties. This move opens the door for owners of historic palaces, forts, and other structures built before 1950 to avail incentives for conservation and tourism-oriented development.
Guidelines under Odisha Tourism Policy 2026
The guidelines, issued under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026, define heritage properties as tourism units developed within buildings constructed before 1950 that possess architectural, historical, and cultural significance while retaining their distinctive character and ambience. Under the new framework, heritage properties including hotels, palaces, restaurants, cafeterias, museums, and banquet facilities will be eligible for incentives such as capital investment subsidy for repair, restoration, and upgradation works.
Preservation and Private Investment
Senior officials of the tourism department stated that the initiative aims to preserve the state's built heritage while encouraging private investment in heritage tourism. A department official explained that the guidelines seek to promote adaptive reuse of heritage structures without compromising their original architectural identity.
Eligibility Criteria
The government has laid down stringent eligibility criteria for availing the incentives. Property owners must establish ownership or possess a lease of at least 10 years and furnish documentary proof that the structure predates 1950. Acceptable evidence includes revenue records, historical documents, reports from district administrations, the Archaeological Survey of India, conservation authorities, and published research papers.
Pre-Work Assessment
Before sanctioning the incentives, the tourism department will conduct a detailed pre-work assessment through government-approved conservation experts. The evaluation will be based on geo-tagged photographs, videography, measured drawings, condition assessment reports, and inventories of existing structures and heritage features.
Maintaining Authenticity
The guidelines place strong emphasis on maintaining the authenticity and heritage value of a property. Any renovation, restoration, or extension must be in harmony with the traditional architectural style and construction techniques of the original structure. The newly added built-up area cannot exceed 50% of the combined built-up area of the old and new structures. While swimming pools and lawns will not be counted while calculating built-up area, investments in such facilities, along with art and craft experience centres and similar heritage-linked amenities, may qualify for subsidies.
Approval Process
The government has clarified that repair or renovation works undertaken before obtaining approval through the single-window mechanism or competent authority will not be eligible for incentives. New construction carried out without prior approval may be considered only on a case-by-case basis.
Industry Reaction
Industry stakeholders welcomed the move, stating that the policy could provide a much-needed push to heritage conservation in a state where several historic palaces, forts, and zamindari-era residences remain underutilised despite their tourism potential.
