Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 6: Karnataka’s law, justice, human rights, parliamentary affairs, legislation, and tourism minister H K Patil emphasized that the historically significant town of Barkur should be developed comprehensively without disturbing its original character.
He was speaking while chairing a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office in Manipal to review matters related to the tourism department.
The minister said the government is exploring the possibility of organizing at least 100 Rathotsavas (chariot festivals) annually in Barkur. Highlighting its rich past, he noted that Barkur was once the capital of the Alupa dynasty, and historical references suggest that chariot festivals were once conducted there almost daily.
He stated that the key objective of this initiative is to reconnect people with their cultural roots while transforming Barkur into a major cultural tourism destination. A committee of experts will be formed to prepare a comprehensive report and action plan for the project.
Addressing challenges in tourism development in the district, Patil pointed out that existing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules have posed hurdles. He suggested that adopting models similar to neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala could boost coastal tourism. He assured that the matter would be taken up with the central government.
The minister also stressed the importance of preserving ancient manuscripts and handwritten records. He said surveys are being conducted to identify such documents, which will then be preserved using modern technology through digitization, cataloguing, and translation. These efforts aim to make valuable knowledge—ranging from science and literature to medicine and religion—accessible to the public on a unified platform.
He informed that over 6,000 manuscripts in the district have already been digitized and directed officials to expedite the digitization of the remaining records.
Additionally, proposals have been submitted to develop select islands and backwater regions in the district as tourism hubs. Under the ‘One State, One Destination’ initiative of the tourism department, Kaup has been selected, and Barkur is likely to be included in the future.
Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K briefed the meeting on ongoing tourism projects, works, and proposals in the district.
The meeting was attended by Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gaffoor, zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, and other district-level officials.