Karnataka govt to develop heritage districts

Bangalore: Karnataka government has prepared a plan involving Rs 81 crore to develop the world heritage sites at Hampi in Bellary district and Pattadakal in Bagalkot district. The government has already spent Rs 4 crore to acquire land at Pattadakal for developing the world heritage site, said C Somasekhara, tourism director, Karnataka government.

Addressing a seminar on 'How to become and remain a world heritage site', organized by Tourism department, UNESCO and ASI here, he said the state government has also requested the UNESCO to accord world heritage status to Belur, Halebidu and Shravanabelagola in Hassan district. These places are known for the Hoysala architecture.

Shravanabelagola is home to the world famous monolithic statue of Bahubali, the 24th Thirthankara of the Jainis.

Presently, Karnataka has got two of its heritage sites, Hampi and Pattadakal, included in UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. The western ghats situated in the state is likely to be accorded natural world heritage site status shortly, Somasekhara said.