JOIN USHe was speaking at a session on Initiatives for Heritage-based Development, organised as part of the third Biennial conference on Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN) being held at Infosys campus.
Besides these cities and towns, Belur-Halebeedu, Badami, Aihole-Pattadkal, Shravanabelagola, Lakkundi and Chitradurga are also identified for heritage conservation.
“We are working to avail a world heritage site tag for the Sahyadri (Western Ghats),” the official said. He said the heritage cell would identify heritage sites and closely work with various other departments to conserve and protect the rich legacy of those sites. It will also looking into issues of heritage brand development of historic places- towns and cities.
The mapping of heritage resources using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and imparting training and capacity building for the personnel in the department would be prime objective of the cell, Honnur revealed. According to him, there was a positive link between the growth of tourism and protection of heritage. The heritage conservation and popularisation of these places becomes a catalyst for the growth in tourism.
“The State has prepared a master plan for the conservation of heritage sites bringing in reforms and new guidelines in town planning and growth. We are working on some more reforms for heritage areas and outside heritage areas,” the Town planning officer said adding that master plan for the development of Hampi as World heritage site is constantly being upgraded with new additions.
The master plans for the Belur-Halebeedu and Srirangapatna are underway with the assistance of IHCN and the UNESCO, which will be unveiled soon.