The Hindu : Karnataka News : 20,000 temples to be renovated

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Thursday, Jul 17, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

20,000 temples to be renovated

Special Correspondent

Temple tourism to get a boost in the next few years

Dilapidated temples to be refurbished
Film stars, NRIs, sportspersons to help raise funds

BANGALORE: The Government has decided to renovate 20,000 temples, which are in dilapidated condition, with financial support of non-resident Indians and philanthropists.

Minister for Muzrai and Housing S.N. Krishnaiah Setty told presspersons on Wednesday that there were no archaks in many of the temples and daily poojas were being conducted only in 20,000 of the 34,000 temples managed by the Muzrai Department in the State. The Muzrai temples have been generating an annual income of Rs. 100 crore. Temples which are in bad shape would be renovated in the next few years, he said.

Plans to be submitted

A campaign will be launched to raise funds for the renovation, with the involvement of film stars, sportspersons and NRIs. Local citizens and leaders have been asked to submit detail plans with information about temple history, location, funds for renovation, to Deputy Commissioners and tahsildars in all districts. Out of the 34,000 temples, only 185 have sufficient funds for maintenance, Mr. Setty said. A delegation, led by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, would participate in the Association of Kannada Kootas of America’s Kannada conference in Chicago, U.S. The meet will commence from August 29. He would also lead a delegation to the U.K., Australia and Canada to seek support from NRIs. Funds would be utilised for providing infrastructure at temples, which would boost “temple tourism”, Mr. Setty said.

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