Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Centre urged to secure UNESCO status for Lepakshi, Gandikota
A leader from Andhra Pradesh asked the central government of India for help.
His name is Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu.
He wants two special places, Lepakshi and Gandikota, to get a famous award called UNESCO World Heritage status.
This award helps protect important old places from around the world.
He met a big government minister named Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to ask for this help.
Lepakshi is already on the waiting list for this award, but Gandikota is not yet.
He said the state should quickly send paperwork so the process can move forward this year.
He also asked for money to build roads, toilets, and other things for visitors.
He talked about old sculptures from Amaravati that are kept in museums in London and should be shown to the world.
Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu urged the Centre to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for Lepakshi and Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh.
He made the appeal during a meeting with Union tourism and culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi.
Lepakshi is already on the UNESCO tentative list; he urged expediting its final recognition and extending similar support to Gandikota.
He recommended the state government prepare and submit required dossiers this year with guidance from the Union tourism and culture ministry.
He sought special funds for conservation and tourism infrastructure and highlighted Amaravati's ancient sculptures preserved in London museums.
- Who
- Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu, chairman of the Amaravati Development Committee and national vice-president of the All India Panchayat Parishad, who met Union tourism and culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- What
- Urging the Centre to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Lepakshi and Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh and to allocate dedicated funds for heritage conservation and tourism infrastructure.
- When
- During a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday; the article does not specify an exact date.
- Where
- New Delhi, where the meeting took place; the heritage sites are Lepakshi and Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To preserve and develop historical and archaeological sites, advance the World Heritage nomination process this year, and showcase the region's heritage internationally.
- Key advocate
- Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu, Amaravati Development Committee chairman
- Minister met
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union tourism and culture minister
- Meeting location
- New Delhi
- Target heritage sites
- Lepakshi and Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
- UNESCO status
- Lepakshi on UNESCO tentative list; Gandikota not yet listed
- Next step
- State to submit dossiers this year with Union ministry guidance
- Funding sought
- Conservation and tourism infrastructure: roads, drinking water, sanitation, information centres, guides, power, transport
- Related highlight
- Amaravati's ancient sculptures preserved in London museums