Karnataka Government Launches High-Tech Drive to Safeguard Temple Assets
The Karnataka government has initiated a large-scale, multi-faceted drive combining satellite-based digital monitoring with extensive on-ground surveys to prevent the usurpation and encroachment of valuable temple assets. This ambitious project follows the recent cabinet approval of the Rs 15-crore 'Bhu-Varaha' scheme, specifically designed to protect 328 major government-owned temple properties and meticulously document all temple land records across the state.
Comprehensive Protection Strategy for Temple Properties
Under this newly launched monitoring scheme, temples located in Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, Yadgir, and Chikkaballapur districts have already submitted detailed proposals. These plans involve surveying all immovable temple properties and constructing essential physical barriers such as compound walls, wire fencing, or green barriers to safeguard these assets from unauthorized occupation.
The initiative encompasses a thorough process of surveying and measuring temple properties, systematically removing existing encroachments, and implementing robust physical safeguards. Furthermore, the strategy includes innovative 'land beat' patrol work conducted through hired watch agencies to proactively prevent fresh encroachments. To address legal challenges, the government will appoint private lawyers specifically to pursue court cases related to longstanding temple land disputes.
Digital Documentation and Public Transparency
A critical component of this project involves the complete digitization and public disclosure of government temple property records. All verified records will be officially published in the state Gazette and simultaneously uploaded onto a dedicated 'Devabhoomi' portal hosted on the religious endowments department website. This move aims to enhance transparency and public access to information regarding temple assets.
Following the initial one-time investment in comprehensive surveys and record updates, the government has committed to implementing regular digital surveillance of all temple land. Rajender Kataria, Vice-Chairman of the Dharmik Parishad, explained the technological approach: "We already utilize satellite observations of land every two to three weeks for monitoring incidents such as forest fires. The same advanced methodology will now be employed to digitally monitor temple land continuously and effectively."
Addressing Historical Oversight and Establishing Permanent Framework
This initiative builds upon earlier efforts, including a statewide project launched by the muzrai department in January 2026 to physically verify government-owned temple land. Kataria clarified that while previous efforts focused on locating approximately 4,000 missing temples, the Bhu-Varaha project establishes a sustainable framework for the long-term protection of government land.
Highlighting the historical lack of oversight, Kataria, who also serves as Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, stated: "Nobody has been monitoring these valuable assets until now. There were thousands of properties documented on paper, but no effective mechanism was in place to protect them. Now, there will be mandatory monthly reviews, and this project will continue systematically even with changes in departmental leadership."
Scale of the Challenge and Progress Report
Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy revealed the immense scale of the undertaking, noting that the state possesses approximately 38,000 acres of government temple properties. He provided a progress update, indicating that records for 17.5 acres of land have already been identified and formally attached to temples. Additionally, 2,500 urban properties have been successfully covered under the documentation drive.
Minister Reddy expressed confidence in the project's timeline, asserting: "We aim to identify half of the total 5,000 temple properties located in urban areas within the next year. This systematic approach will ensure the preservation of our religious and cultural heritage for future generations."
