Lakkundi's Heritage Sites Set for Major Protection and Development Push
Tourism Minister HK Patil has announced a significant expansion of protected heritage sites in the historic village of Lakkundi, Gadag district. The government plans to bring a total of 44 sites under direct state supervision, ensuring enhanced funding for their preservation and development.
Protected Monuments List Grows Rapidly
Sixteen sites in Lakkundi already enjoy state-protected monument status. Minister Patil confirmed that eight additional sites will receive this designation by the end of February. Furthermore, authorities will submit a comprehensive proposal within one month to include twenty more temples and wells in the protected monuments list.
"This expansion will bring a total of 44 sites in Lakkundi under direct government supervision," Patil stated during a press conference following a high-level advisory committee meeting of the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority. "This move guarantees more funding for their development and protection."
Substantial Funding Released for Development Projects
The government has already released Rs 10 crore for the comprehensive development of five selected temples and an ancient well in Lakkundi. Officials have completed the tender process and will issue work orders in February to commence these projects.
Additionally, special excavations will begin by March to revive temples currently not clearly visible under the soil. "Public cooperation is necessary for this initiative," Patil emphasized. "We will request people to hand over these historical sites to the government, either through compensation or persuasion."
Open-Air Museum and Republic Day Developments
Authorities have allocated Rs 1.7 crore for constructing an open-air museum to study Lakkundi's artistic splendour. The land registration process will conclude by Republic Day, after which tenders will be invited for the project.
In a heartening development, Prajwal Ritti will receive employment and housing assistance for recently handing over a gold treasure found in Lakkundi to the government. Official order letters regarding this support will be presented on Republic Day.
The government will hold discussions with legal experts to treat this as a special case, determine the treasure's historical era, and provide appropriate incentive funds. A technical committee will form to decide the period of the discovered treasure, with decisions based on its recommendations.
Archaeological Discoveries and Expert Clarifications
Excavation work in Lakkundi yielded a cobra's head-like artefact on the third day of digging. Archaeological experts including A Devaraju, Smita Reddy, Shejeshwar, and Manjanayak visited the excavation site and appealed for public calm.
"There is no need for panic," the experts clarified. "No scientific evidence supports claims of snakes guarding treasure, as reported in some media sections." They further confirmed that the excavation work bears no relation to the recent treasure discovery.
This comprehensive heritage development plan represents a major commitment to preserving Karnataka's rich historical legacy while creating educational and tourism opportunities for future generations.
