Belagavi, Karnataka: The Union government has confirmed that no Central funds have been sanctioned or released for the development or preservation of the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Fort in Belagavi district.
For more details : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/no-central-funds-for-kittur-rani-channamma-fort-yet/article70865790.ece
Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat clarified that the fort does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Instead, it is classified as a State-protected monument and is managed by the Government of Karnataka.
The Minister noted that while Centrally protected monuments in Belagavi continue to receive support under national conservation guidelines, responsibility for Kittur Fort lies entirely with the State.
The Karnataka Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage is currently undertaking several conservation and development initiatives at the site. These include structural restoration of the fort and palace remains, renovation of the Hanuman temple premises, landscaping, and plans for a theme park.
Additionally, the Kittur Development Authority, established in 2012, is working to enhance infrastructure and promote tourism in the region.
Despite the lack of direct Central funding for the fort, cultural support continues through agencies such as the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC). Over the past three years, more than 73 cultural programmes have been conducted in Kittur, involving around 4,859 artists, with ₹3.3 crore disbursed as support.
The annual Kittur Utsav, held from October 24 to 26, remains a major cultural highlight, commemorating the legacy and bravery of Rani Channamma while drawing visitors and artists from across the region.
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