Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad recently pledged focused efforts to designate several historic sites in Barkur, Udupi district, as official heritage properties. This move aims to secure their preservation and facilitate development, the Minister stated after visiting significant landmarks in the area on Sunday.
Minister Arshad highlighted that numerous ancient structures across Udupi district remain unidentified and lack official heritage status. He questioned why this crucial step had not been taken previously, asserting that such designation is fundamental for initiating any protective measures. 'To save many ancient buildings in Barkur, they must be declared as heritage properties. Through this, further steps will be taken to preserve them. It is everyone's responsibility to protect ancient buildings and history,' he remarked to the media.
The Minister, who took charge of the district portfolio approximately two months ago, outlined his strategy for regional development. He explained that understanding the district's unique characteristics, local challenges, and specific needs is paramount before undertaking any significant work. To this end, he plans extensive visits to various parts of Udupi, engaging directly with residents to gather insights. These observations will then be compiled and presented to the district administration for appropriate action.
During his visit to Barkur, Minister Arshad toured the Sooralu Mud Palace and the Barkur Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple. He later extended his visit to include Barkur St. Peter's Church and the Barkur Malik Dinar Mosque, showcasing the diverse historical and cultural tapestry of the ancient town.
Accompanying the Minister were Coastal Development Board Chairman M.A. Gafoor, Tahsildar Srikanth Hegde, and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Ramdas.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi