JOIN USShowcasing heritage: Hassan CMC creates hurdles
Yet, one look at the Maharaja Park, where century-old artefacts collected from all over the state are lying neglected due to the callousness of the city municipal council (CMC), makes one think if Hassan is really keen on saving our heritage.
Adding to the problems is the short-term memory loss of the CMC, which had granted the Maharaja Park for housing the artefacts on April 2, 2009. But, two years later, it has backtracked from its promise. Now, it is opposing the move of the archeology department to make the park attractive by installing the artefacts and growing medicinal plants.
The then CMC commissioner had given permission to set-up a museum, following which the archeology department had put-up a fence at a cost of Rs 3 lakh.
Furthermore, the archeology department had planned to decorate the park with century-old chariots, which were collected from temples across the state. The plan of the archeology department was to have a sound and light show also as an added attraction.
The department has received Rs 36 lakh for renovation.
Renowned artist Sumantha Arkasali has donated 72 artefacts to the department. The funds would have to be returned if they are not utilised by the end of March and plans for a sound and light show would have to be shelved.
Now, the plans have hit a dead end with the CMC recently objecting to the works undertaken by archeology department.
According to sources, the archaeology department had sought a suitable land for displaying the artefacts.
The then deputy commissioner had approved Maharaja Park as it would be ideal for attracting tourists into the city. The deputy commissioner had then directed the CMC to allot the park to the archeology department.