Karnataka Government Approves Major Funding for Temple Land Protection and Infrastructure
The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has sanctioned a total of Rs 31 crore for two significant initiatives aimed at preserving religious heritage and enhancing facilities for devotees. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, February 7, 2026, in Bengaluru.
Protection and Documentation of Temple Lands
In a move to safeguard temple assets, the government has allocated Rs 15 crore for the protection and documentation of properties belonging to 328 temples across the state. These temples collectively hold approximately 38,000 acres of land, which were previously vested with the government under the Inam Abolition Act and Land Reforms Act. The initiative, first announced in March 2025 as part of the 2025-26 state budget proposals, aims to remove encroachments and create a comprehensive record of temple lands.
State Law Minister H K Patil stated that the Cabinet granted administrative approval for this scheme, which will be implemented in a phased manner. The funds will be released in one go to the Commissioner and the Department of Religious Endowments. The project includes the creation of a 'Devabhoomi' link on the department's official website, where original documents such as survey revenue records, land grant papers, lease agreements, and measured maps will be published for public access.
This effort addresses the lack of consolidated information on temple properties, as many lands were donated by private individuals or devotees, and local authorities often lack detailed records. By documenting these assets, the government hopes to prevent future encroachments and ensure transparency in the management of religious endowments.
New Guest House at Kollur Mookambika Temple
In addition to the land protection scheme, the Cabinet approved Rs 16 crore for the construction of a new guest house at the Kollur Mookambika Temple in Udupi, coastal Karnataka. The existing Souparnika Guest House, built in 1984-85 with 26 rooms, has been in a dilapidated state and unused by devotees for six years due to extensive repair needs.
The government believes that a new guest house will attract more devotees to the temple, thereby boosting its income and supporting local tourism. This investment is part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure at religious sites, making them more accessible and comfortable for visitors.
The Cabinet was informed that this allocation could significantly increase footfall and revenue for the temple, contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the region. The project underscores the government's commitment to preserving Karnataka's rich spiritual heritage while promoting sustainable development.
Implementation and Future Steps
The revenue department has outlined that both initiatives will be carried out systematically, with the temple land protection scheme focusing on phased removal of encroachments and thorough documentation. The guest house project is expected to commence soon, with plans to modernize facilities and improve visitor experiences.
These decisions reflect the Siddaramaiah government's proactive approach to addressing long-standing issues in religious endowment management and infrastructure development. By investing in these areas, Karnataka aims to protect its cultural assets and foster a more organized and transparent system for temple administration.
