Karnataka to notify 44 temples and wells in Lakkundi as State-protected monuments

Key facts

• Tourism Minister HK Patil announced that eight more temples and stepwells in Lakkundi will be notified as State-protected monuments by end-February, raising the total protected sites to 44.
• The Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority has been directed to submit a proposal within a month to include another 20 temples and wells under protection.
• Special excavation drives will begin by March to identify and restore buried temples, with public cooperation sought through compensation or mutual consent.
• Government sanctioned Rs 1.65 crore for an open-air museum in Lakkundi; land registration to finish before Republic Day.
• Rs 10 crore released for comprehensive development of five selected temples and one ancient well; work orders to be issued in February.
• Prajwal Ritti, who handed over a recent gold hoard found in Lakkundi, will receive government employment and a house; official orders to be issued on Republic Day.