Siddaramaiah initiates excavation in Lakkundi, promises requisite funds for open museum
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday initiated excavation on the premises of the historical Kote Veerabhadreshwara temple in Lakkundi of Gadag district, and promised all requisite funds for the work and also for the proposed open air museum in the village.
Addressing presspersons after viewing exhibits at the site of the proposed museum, the Chief Minister announced that the government would extend all necessary assistance for preserving the architectural and heritage sites across Karnataka.
Recalling the historical importance of Lakkundi, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that known for the architectural wonders, Lakkundi was the capital of the Chalukyas and also a place of importance during other kingdoms. 'Because of the personal interest taken by Minister H.K. Patil, the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority was established in 2017-18. The excavation will reveal various facts of the earlier kingdoms,' he said.
The Chief Minister said that the government had provided necessary funds for preserving temple heritage and places of historical and architectural importance and would continue to do so.
Mr. Siddaramaiah recalled his contest in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections from Koppal and the support from the people of Lakkundi and also thanked them for donating land for setting up the museum.
On the occasion, farmers Shivanagouda Goudar and Premanagouda Goudar handed over letters of consent for donating their land to the government for the museum.
The project
Under the excavation project initiated by the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority, it has been proposed to include more area and already owners of five houses have come forward to hand over their houses for facilitating the excavation.
Mr. Patil said that the consent of 27 owners was required for completing the whole project, and efforts are on to convince them. Once the houses were handed over, full-fledged excavation would commence, he added.
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