Karnataka government working to get UNESCO tag for Lakkundi: Minister HK Patil
Gadag: Tourism Minister H.K. Patil announced that the Karnataka government is making an effort to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Lakkundi, a historic place in Gadag district, to further strengthen the state’s position as a leading heritage tourism destination.
Speaking at the State Tourism Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur, Patil said the state has also urged the Union Government to consider Gadag, Hampi, Mysuru, and Udupi as post-2025 global tourism destinations under the Centre’s mission to develop 50 internationally competitive tourist hubs.
Patil highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s tourism infrastructure. “In the last two years, the government has undertaken comprehensive development of Saundatti Yellamma Hill, Anjanadri Hills and the Roerich Estates near Bengaluru. The government is working hard to complete these projects within the stipulated time limit,” The New Indian Express quoted Patil as saying.
Located just 40 minutes from Hubballi Airport, Lakkundi — situated 8 km from Gadag — is renowned as an open-air museum of Chalukyan sculpture. It is home to around 100 intricately carved temples, ancient stepwells, Jain basadis, and inscriptions that showcase the architectural brilliance of the ancient era.
Furthermore, he briefly mentioned that a dedicated coastal tourism policy is being drafted to centralise and develop the 343-km-long coastline, aiming to transform it into a high-end tourism destination.
Reiterating the state’s commitment, Patil said Karnataka, in coordination with the Centre and other states, will pour all its energy into making the state a global tourism powerhouse.
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
