Sannati, a famous pilgrim village on the banks of river Bhima in Chittapur taluk, would soon become an international Buddhist centre, if all goes as per the State government’s plans.

The Government has issued a notification to acquire 48 acres of land necessary for preservation of Buddhist monuments and develop Sannati into one of the tourist hot spots of India.

The process of constituting Sannati Development Board on the lines of the Basavakalyan Development Board is also underway.

The discovery of an Ashoka inscription at Maski in Raichur district a few decades ago and of a Buddhist settlement through a series of archeological excavations at Sannati have shed light on the historic significance of Karnataka in the development of Buddhism. From 1954-95, as many as 81 stone inscriptions, two stupas, three `dibbas’ (mounds) and a defence fort have been discovered at Sannati. 

Treasure hunting
However, these priceless artefacts have stood bare daring vagaries of nature and onslaughts of anti-social and mischievous elements. It is also said that the sites were dug for treasure hunting by avaricious people.
State Revenue Commissioner S M Jamadar had submitted a comprehensive report to the Government on the preservation of Sannati for the posterity two years ago and now things have started moving.

Mr Jamadar had recently visited Sannati to take first hand account of its present state.

The State government has released Rs One crore. ``In about 90 days the land acquisition would be completed’’ said Additional District Magistrate Ravikiran Onti.

Various projects
This project also includes construction of a museum and a library, guest house, yatri nivas, staff quarters, shops, bus stand, provide water supply, electricity, better roads and develop gardens.

The Rs 6.25 crore project will be implemented by the Archeological Survey of India, Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam, District Administration and Tourism Department. All the Buddhist artefacts found elsewhere in the State are planned to be preserved here in the museum.

Constructing domes to cover the two huge stupas and protecting certain parts which are likely to be submerged due to the ongoing Sannati Bhima Barrage works will be the important tasks to be undertaken soon.
It has been planned to integrate Sannati later with other Buddhist centres at Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and North India and in the final phase to seek international aid for further excavations and research.