New Delhi, July 22 (Inditop.com) The government has earmarked a whopping Rs.650 crore for the protection and facelift of historical sites in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday.
Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanasamy, who also holds the portfolio of culture, said two new archaeological sites in Kerala will be brought under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India and the temples of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal in Karnataka will get a new facelift under the 11th five year plan.
In reply to a question, the minister said Rs.650 crore has been set aside under the 11th five year plan for the development of the protected monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
“The department of tourism and the government of Karnataka have proposed light and sound shows at these sights,” he said.
The group of monuments at Pattadakal, a centre of Chalukyan art and architecture, is on the UNESCO world heritage list.
“We have received proposals from various agencies and individuals for declaring 31 monuments across the country as monuments of national importance. Of the 25 found suitable, two are from Kerala,” the minister said.
The minister also said the government has spent Rs.35.39 crore for the preservation of 202 monuments/sites in 2008-2009 (fiscal), which were of national importance.
The government also plans to increase assistance for indigent artists.
