BANGALORE: The State Government has evolved a plan for conservation of 54 heritage monuments, 16 museums, archives and some old libraries at a cost of Rs. 50 crore sanctioned by the 12th Finance Commission.

Kannada and Culture Secretary I.M. Vittal Murthy told presspersons here on Friday that the plan would be implemented in four years.

This was the first time that the State was making such a huge spending on the conservation of heritage monuments, he said.

Karnataka has 750 protected monuments apart from 25,000 unprotected monuments. Of the protected monuments, the Government has selected 54 structures, which are in a dilapidated condition, for rejuvenation. A sum of Rs. 15 crore will be spent for the rejuvenation of these structures, which have been built anywhere from 7th Century to 17th Century.

The structures to be taken up for rejuvenation include 10 from the Bangalore Division, 12 from the Mysore Division, 19 from the Belgaum Division and 13 from the Gulbarga Division.

The Government will also develop 16 museums, including the Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bangalore and Photography gallery in Hampi.

The Venkatappa Art Gallery would be modernised at a cost of Rs. 90 lakh in six months. This includes modernising the air-conditioning system and lifts besides constructing toilets. The Government was also considering a proposal to build an additional floor at the Gallery, Mr Murthy added.

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