Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said around 25,000 to 30,000 archaeological and heritage sites in the State need to be identified and protected.
As many as 772 such sites had been recognised and conserved over the years, he said.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Praachya Pragne’, a Statewide programme to create awareness among schoolchildren on the State’s archaeology, heritage, art, culture, and tradition.
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The event was organised by the Department of Archaeology, Heritage, and Museums.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said that 201 public and private properties had been identified as sites of heritage value in Mysuru city. It was the duty of the government and society to safeguard these sites.
Recalling his school tours to Hampi, Belur, Halebid, and Badami, Mr. Siddaramaiah said they were crucial for children to recognise our culture and heritage.
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Observing that Karnataka was blessed with abundant heritage monuments, the Chief Minister said the heritage sites highlight the contribution of the Vijayanagar rulers, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Gangas and others. “The archaeological treasures showcase the rich past of the State,” he added.
Recollecting his visit to Hampi on Friday for the Hampi Utsav, the Chief Minister said the monuments at the World Heritage Site speak of the contribution of the Vijayanagar kings.
On the occasion, Mr. Siddaramaiah conferred the ‘Puraatatva Ratna’ awards on A.V. Narasimhamurthy, Srinivas H. Ritti, A. Sundara, and M.S. Nagaraja Rao and K.V. Ramesh (both posthumously). Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad released the ‘Praachya Pragne’ posters, while Minister of State for Kannada and Culture Umashree released books on heritage sites.