Temple Development Projects in Coastal Karnataka Await Central Nod
The Karnataka government has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Tourism for the development of seven temples in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme. These projects, estimated at Rs 197.9 crore, are awaiting central approval.
In response to a starred question by MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur during the legislature session, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil detailed the proposed developments. The identified temples and their estimated costs include:
- Sri Nandikeshwara Temple, Belthangady – Rs 22 crore
- Shishileshwara Temple, Shishila – Rs 23 crore
- Sri Kolli Durgaparameshwari Temple, Mithabailu – Rs 9 crore
- Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Puttur – Rs 54.8 crore
- Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, Sullia – Rs 33.9 crore
- Sri Sahasralingeshwara Mahakali Temple, Puttur – Rs 49.7 crore
- Sri Madhwavana, Kunjaragiri, Udupi – Rs 5.5 crore
The PRASHAD scheme allows for infrastructure improvements such as cloakrooms, restrooms, signages, tourist information centers, last-mile connectivity, drinking water facilities, pathways, helipads, sound and light systems, skill development training, and mobile applications for visitors.
Additionally, the Kollur Mookambika Corridor Development Project, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,150 crore, has received approval. The Udupi district commissioner has been directed to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) following the scheme’s guidelines. A request for Rs 21 crore to fund the DPR preparation has been forwarded to the state government.
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