Udupi minister Rizwan Arshad visits the historic Suralu Mud Palace in Suralu village Sunday
Udupi: Food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Rizwan Arshad on Sunday said he would explore the possibility of declaring the 500-year-old Suralu Mud Palace and historic structures in Barkur as heritage sites.
He said heritage status was necessary to protect ancient structures, as no specific rules or laws currently safeguarded the palace from demolition or damage. “To preserve it as a heritage site, I will examine what initial steps need to be taken,” he said. He said he would make every possible effort to secure heritage status for them, while their development could be considered subsequently.
Arshad visited the mud palace at Suralu village, about 30km from Udupi, during a three-day tour of the district. After visiting historic places in Barkur and Suralu, Arshad expressed surprise that ancient structures dating back thousands of years had not been officially designated as heritage sites.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by Panchalingeshwara temple trustees, the minister said he would consider their request and examine possible assistance through the muzrai department or other departmental schemes. Arshad said the district tour was intended to help him meet people, understand local characteristics, problems and requirements, and assess issues first-hand. On server glitches affecting ration card distribution, he said the problems had been completely addressed.
A technical issue that arose at night three days earlier was immediately noticed and rectified, he added.