Rs 7 crore plan to conserve heritage structures

MYSORE: The Kannada and Culture Department has approved a Rs 7 crore plan submitted by the Commissioner of Heritage for the conservation and preservation of nine heritage structures, in six heritage cities, in the state.The nine heritage buildings selected are Hazarath Kamal E-Mujarid Complex, two museums in Gulbarga, Parshwanatha temple, Shivasharana Haralaiah Memorial Place in Bijapur, Development of Ranna’s birth place in Mudhol, Sri Nuliya Chandaiah Memorial Place in Basava Kalyana, Kaboothar Khana in Srirangapatna, Lansdowne and KSRP Mounted Police Building in Mysore.Commissioner of Heritage, Department of Kannada and Culture, Neela Manjunath explained the status of heritage buildings.“The Kabootar Khana has collapsed and it has to be restored without affecting its original structure. There are leakages in Hazarath Kamal E-Mujarid in Gulbarga and it needs immediate repair.The Parshwanatha temple in Bijapur dates back to the 8th century. In view of all this, the government is giving priority to protect the conservation of heritage buildings in the state,” she said.According to the copy of the approval order available with the Express, the Department has approved the `7 crore action plan.“As per this, Rs 1.90 crore is being set aside to create awareness on heritage buildings by opening heritage clubs, organising international conferences, heritage building photo exhibition, rallies, producing documentaries and bringing out booklets.For Gulbarga, Rs 2.05 crore has been set aside for the conservation of Hajarath Kamal E-Mujarid Complex and two museums.Parshwanatha temple in Bijapur is in a dilapidated condition and Rs 35 lakh is being set aside for its conservation,” she said.Condition ImposedFor Mysore, Rs 1.25 crore is being allocated for conservation of two buildings-Lansdowne and KSRP Mounted Police Building.While approving the action plan, Department of Kannada and Culture Under Secretary H V Ramachandra Rao imposed the condition to the Commissioner of Heritage that 50 percent of the total amount should be borne by Mysore City Corporation or Public Works Department.Rs 75 lakh and Rs 50 lakh are being earmarked for the conservation of Lansdowne and Mounted police buildings in the city respectively.