Karnataka   

Heritage clubs to be set up in 20 districts, says official

Chitradurga: With the aim of preserving the rich heritage of the State, the Government has decided to establish heritage clubs in 20 districts, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology Venkatesh Machaknur has said.

Speaking after inaugurating a heritage club at the SJM College of Arts, Science and Commerce here on Monday, he said the department had already set up 18 such clubs, including the one in Chitradurga.

Mr. Machaknur said the objective of the clubs was to disseminate knowledge on the rich and diverse heritage of the State among the people, especially students.

He said the State’s heritage could be divided into built, natural and traditional heritage. Built heritage consisted of monuments and architectural buildings, natural heritage included water resources, jungles, flora and fauna and traditional heritage consisted of folklore, rural games and culture.

“Unfortunately, owing to the lack of awareness and sensitivity towards our heritage, people are damaging or even destroying it,” he said. The State was abundant in biodiversity and magnificent monuments, which needed protection and preservation. “We have seen people inscribing their names or expressing their feelings on monuments, which only defaces their beauty,” he said.

He advised students to be committed to protecting heritage and asked the college authorities to hold awareness programmes by ensuring the participation of the people.

Mr. Machaknur said the department had released Rs. 10,000 for the purpose to the college, which would be doubled next year.

In his address, Deputy Director of the department H.L. Siddhangoudar expressed regret over several historical monuments being encroached upon by people for construction of houses.

The district administrations should ensure that such encroachments were removed to preserve the grandeur of the monuments.

He promised help as well as financial assistance to the clubs in their efforts to protect monuments.

Researcher Srishail Aradhya and principal M. Basavaraj were present on the occasion.

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