State loses out on World Heritage tag, yet again. Who to be blamed?

This year too, Karnataka's prominent heritage and historical spots missed out on earning the much-needed UNESCO World Heritage tag, as the state government is yet to make up its mind to look into these files.

Last week, Ahemdabad in Gujarat was decorated with UNESCO World Heritage tag. In fact, Karnataka could have been the best competitor to Ahemdabad as the state too has many places with rich heritage on par with Ahemdabad. Take for the case of Mysuru, Bidar, Kalaburagi and Vijayapura, history is steeped in these places. Not just that. Even the famous Mysuru Dasara which has all the qualities to be declared as heritage tag lost an opportunity this year. And officials must be blamed for this, reports Kannada Prabha.

Mysuru is gearing up for the 407th Dasara this year and the officials concerned had prepared a report to include Dasara in the World Heritage list. The officials had also thought to include Bidar and Kalaburagi which were ruled by Bahamani dynasty, Vijayapura whose history is enriched with Persian's influence on Vijayapura and the famous Hoysala kingodm in Belur, Halebeedu and Somanathapura. But sadly, the proposal prepared by the Department of Archaeology and Museums is still before the state government.

It may be recalled here that in 2006 itself the state government had declared six places as heritage cities which included Mysuru, Kalaburagi and Bidar. But to boost tourism in the state, it was necessary for the state to push for the world heritage tag to these places. But the state government is yet to take a look into these files, reports Kannada Prabha. Also, after Dr CG Betsurmath retired as commissioner of the department, succeeding officers have not shown any interest in these files, it is reported.

• unesco world heritage tag
• karnataka
• mysuru
• mysuru dasara