MP seeks support for upgrading infrastructure, tourist facilities at key religious, cultural sites in DK

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 11, 2025: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta while speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday, February 10, highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure facilities at key religious and spiritual sites and temples of Dakshina Kannada and the resulting untapped pilgrim tourism potential of the region.

Raising a supplementary question on the Swadesh Darshan scheme, he sought to know what steps are being taken to identify and include temples from Dakshina Kannada under the PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes.

The question was supplementary to a question regarding the allocation and utilisation of funds under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, technology integration to improve tourism services, steps taken for implementation in underserved areas, and potential international partnerships to enhance the scheme’s global reach.

Following the Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s response, Capt. Chowta highlighted the need for greater inclusion of Karnataka’s cultural heritage under the scheme. Emphasising the historical and cultural significance of Dakshina Kannada region, he stated: “Our region is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, home to many iconic temples but inadequate infrastructure and tourism facilities continue to limit the region’s full potential as a heritage destination.”

In his question, the MP asked if there are guidelines or frameworks in place to ensure equitable selection across States and the development of lesser-known heritage sites. He also urged for integration of an online resource into the scheme to showcase selected temples and cultural sites through multimedia content, promoting Dakshina Kannada’s rich heritage on a global scale.

He urged the Ministry to take proactive steps to ensure the region’s historic temples and traditional practices receive due recognition and support under national tourism schemes, a release from MP’s office said.

In response, Mr. Shekhawat acknowledged the importance of a digital media resource in today’s era of online engagement. He stated that the Centre is taking necessary steps to provide a dedicated platform for digital content on the Incredible India portal and urged States to upload and showcase as much content as possible.

Capt. Chowta also sought to know the status of the proposals for the development of ancient shrines of Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple, Sullia’s Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple (Todikana), Uppinangadi’s Sahasra Lingeshwara temple which were sent to the Ministry, seeking necessary infrastructure and allied tourist facilities support under the PRASAD scheme. To which, the Minister invited him for a discussion regarding the same, assuring of full support in the pursuit of these proposals, the release added.