“A comprehensive report in this regard is under preparation. World Heritage site status for the two world famous archaeological splendours in the State will be recommended in the year 2011-12,” disclosed ASI Director General Arvind Srivastav, here on Tuesday.
Speaking to Deccan Herald after visiting the Chennakeshavaswamy temple, he revealed that five tourist spots in the country - Jantar Mantar, and three sites of Harappan civilisation - have been recommended for the inclusion in the list of World Heritage sites in the year 2010-11.
Srivastav said that World Heritage site tag will bolster the tourism potential and attract more foreign visitors as the places will feature on the world tourism map. Local population will not be affected in anyway with the grant of the status. The places will be developed in a planned manner after the inclusion in Heritage list. Unesco will not provide financial assistance for the development of a tourist centre recognised as a World Heritage site. However, a Paris-based NGO will fund the development. Besides, the Union government will also extend monetary assistance from National Culture Fund, he said. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Vinay Luthra, Deputy Commissioner Naveenraj Singh and others were present.
Published 12 May 2009, 16:57 IST