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The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) has documented 904 antiquities and 312 built heritage sites in Karnataka, now accessible on nmma.nic.in. ASI’s Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Hampi Circles have digitally mapped 177 centrally protected monuments using topographical and photogrammetric surveys. The government is actively training institutions through regional workshops and is working to revive State-Level Implementation Committees (SLIC) to accelerate documentation efforts.

In addition to digital preservation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continues to retrieve antiquities from abroad—655 artefacts have been repatriated since 1976. For conservation, substantial expenditures have been made over the last three years by ASI Karnataka circles, with Hampi accounting for the highest share. These ongoing efforts reflect India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage through modern digital tools and strategic initiatives. This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Lok Sabha.