Five TN places in UNESCO World Heritage status tentative list

Five sites, including famous Lord Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam, in Tamil Nadu have been included in the tentative list by the Union Culture ministry for UNESCO's world heritage status, Union Culture Minister Kumari Selja said today.

The 17th century Fort St.George in Chennai,  Chettinad, Kazhugumalai rock sculptures and Pulikat Lake were the other sites in the list, she told reporters here.

Replying to question Selja, on a tour of heritage sites in south Tamil Nadu, said the centre would examine inclusion of sites for heritage status if the local government and administration sent proposals.

The Minister, who visited the Saraswathy Mahal library, said it had many invaluable materials and pledged the Centre's support to maintain them with global standards.

She also said she visited nearby Thirubuvanam, known for its silk sarees, and wanted the traditional industry to be kept up. Similarly, she noted achievements of the bronze idol industry here and said orders were being received from world over.