Stakeholders Gather in Kitturu to Plan Heritage Preservation for Historic Fort

A dedicated stakeholder consultation meeting was convened in Kitturu to address the urgent need for conserving the town's historic fort and surrounding heritage monuments associated with Rani Chennamma. Organized under the aegis of local authorities and heritage conservationists, the meeting brought together key community leaders, administrative officers, and academicians to formulate a roadmap for preserving Kitturu's historic legacy and establishing proposed heritage theme parks. Madivala Rajayogindra Swamiji of the Rajaguru Sansthana Kalmatha, along with Kittur Development Authority Commissioner Santosh Hanagall and CPI Shivanand Gudaganatti, highlighted the historical significance of the region and emphasized systematic efforts to maintain the fort premises. Scholars and syndicate members from Rani Channamma University, including Sangamesh Kalyani and Y.R. Patil, offered suggestions on scientific preservation methods and creating educational facilities for visiting tourists. However, the meeting also saw administrative discontent. M.F. Jakati, Chairman of the Town Panchayat Standing Committee, walked out of the session in protest, alleging that the local civic body was consistently ignored and not formally invited to taluk and district-level decision-making meetings. Despite the dispute, officials affirmed their commitment to protecting the historical assets of Kitturu taluk while improving infrastructure for visitors.