Caption: K.R. Ramakrishna (second from right), Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums, looking at the display of heritage monuments at Mahajana Tourism Development Institute in city yesterday as former AIISH Director Dr. N. Rathna, Institute Secretary Srinivas and Director Prof. K.S. Nagapathi look on.

Mysore, Apr. 19

Guidelines for the conservation and protection of heritage monuments in the State will be formulated in three months’ time, said K.R. Ramakrishna, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums.

He was speaking after inaugurating the World Heritage Day celebration held under the aegis of Mahajana Tourism Development Institute in city yesterday.

“There are 769 heritage monuments and buildings in the State and conserving them will be a priority for which guidelines will be formulated,” he said and added that under the 13th Financial Plan, a sum of Rs. 25 crore has been granted for this purpose from the Centre while Rs. 14 crore has been granted under the Department of Archaeology and another Rs. eight crore under the Heritage department.

A programme will be formulated to utilise these grants, he said, adding that conserving the heritage structures of Mysore was considered a priority.

“At present, we are facing shortage of manpower to take up conservation works. Hence, plans are afoot to form Heritage Conservation Clubs, involve local people and use their services for conservation works by paying them wages,” he added.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / Thursday, April 19th, 2012