The State government proposes to take up a comprehensive heritage-based urban development plan in selected heritage-linked towns and cities for the enhanced conservation and management of the State’s unique heritage assets by improving the quality of life and socio-economic development opportunities in these heritage towns and cities.
Official sources told The Hindu here on Friday that the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) would take up this up, becoming the first-of-its-kind project in the entire country. It is expected to serve as a demonstration model to other States interested in better preservation of their heritage sites.
Sources said that the estimated cost of the project was approximately around 150 million US dollars and the KUIDFC would propose assistance from the World Bank to take up the project. The Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation (IHCN-F), an initiative of the UNESCO and the Union government to promote heritage-based urban development, would coordinate with the KUIDFC in implementing the project.
The State government also proposes to develop a heritage master plan for the selected towns and cities of Vijayapura, Kalaburgi, Bidar and Badami on priority basis through the Heritage Planning Cell. Sources said the cell’s work would lead to area-based or precinct development schemes for these four cities and towns. It is also proposed to take up heritage-based urban infrastructure works in Vijayapura, Kalaburgi and Badami in Bagalkot district.
The Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation has been entrusted the work of preparing Heritage Resource plans for Bidar and individual consultants have been hired.
Heritage plan for selected cities planned
World Bank’s assistance to be sought
