K’taka govt plans to develop 46 heritage sites related to Kempegowda at Rs 223 cr

Bengaluru: Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has said that 46 heritage sites related to Nadaprabhu Kempegowda have been identified for development with a view to promote tourism there.

He made the announcement while speaking at a meeting of the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Development Authority on Tuesday.

A conceptual project report has been prepared for the development of historical sites in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagar, Chikkaballapur and Tumkur districts.

Rs 132 crore will be spent on the Magadi circuit, Rs 47 crore on the Bengaluru circuit and Rs 44 crore on the Nandi circuit.

Officials at the meeting said that the 108 feet statue of Kempegowda worth Rs 64 crore is already being built near Bengaluru international airport. A theme park is also being built around the statue.

“The land acquisition process for the development of Kempegowda’s tomb at Kempapura village in Ramanagar district is in the final stages. Conceptual planning is in progress. The project is being implemented at a cost of Rs 32 crore. A systematic plan for rehabilitation, road development and other infrastructure facilities be provided to 46 families who have lost their land,” Yediyurappa said.

The chief minister also suggested books and short films based on the life of Kempegowda, tourism development to forts, lakes and heritage sites built by Kempegowda must be done in collaboration by the Tourism Department, Small Irrigation Department, BBMP, PWD Religious Endowments Department, Forest Department, Horticulture Department and other departments.