Bengaluru: Over the last three years, a total of Rs 90 crore was allocated by the Centre to maintain and preserve Karnataka’s 506 centrally protected monuments. According to data from Union ministry of culture, the state saw an increased allocation of nearly Rs 28.6 crore in the last financial year.Answering a question from Congress MP Ajay Maken in the Rajya Sabha last week, Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed the state’s central funding to conserve its monuments had significantly dropped in the last three years.While Karnataka received an allocation of Rs 39.2 crore in 2023-24, the reward in the last two years had significantly reduced. In 2024-25, the funding was Rs 22.5 crore before getting a Rs 6 crore increase in 2025-26. These monuments also include the World Heritage sites of Hampi and Pattadakal.The minister explained periodical condition assessments and day-to-day maintenance of these monuments and sites are carried out as per the requirement and availability of resources. He added the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also engaged local communities to create public awareness regarding heritage conservation.Shekhawat also stated the ministry had received five proposals to include more monuments in the state in the last three years. In principle, approvals were granted for the development of visitor amenities at Gagan Mahal in Vijayapura in July last year. Among three proposals submitted by state agencies for Bidar Fort, two have received approvals already.Shekhawat said the fort’s development as a heritage tourism destination under challenge-based destination development scheme along with a sound and light show was approved a year ago. Centre has also received a fresh proposal for a ropeway at Madhugiri Fort in Tumakuru district for which a meeting with Karnataka tourism department was held. The tourism department has been requested to submit a revised proposal.
