Udupi minister pledges push for heritage status for Barkur and Suralu palace
Rizwan Arshad said legal recognition is needed before the ancient structures can be protected, and suggested more excavation and a dedicated authority to develop the area.
District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad has said he will work towards heritage recognition, archaeological excavation and planned tourism development for the historic sites of Barkur and Suralu in Udupi district.
Visiting Suralu Palace, linked to the Tuluva dynasty of Barkur, and the Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Arshad said he was surprised that several ancient structures in Barkur have not been officially declared heritage sites. Without legal protection, he said, they remain open to demolition or unauthorised changes.
He said he would revisit earlier proposals on Barkur's heritage and the work of researchers and committees, and discuss protection measures with the district administration. With hundreds of acres available in the area, he suggested a dedicated authority could oversee planned development and tourism.
The minister also called for further excavation, noting that a historical court structure in Barkur is now hidden by vegetation. Temple representatives submitted a memorandum seeking help, which he said would be examined under suitable government schemes.
Source: Deccan Herald. Photo: Pavanaja / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
