Madikeri: Deputy commissioner SJ Somashekhar said the manuscript survey under the Gyan Bharatam Mission has begun in Kodagu district and directed officials to complete the exercise by the end of May. He was speaking at a preliminary meeting held at the DC’s office on Friday to review manuscript preservation and digitisation efforts. He said manuscripts are original sources of history, literature, culture and knowledge, and stressed the need to preserve handwritten records on palm leaves, paper and other materials.Somashekhar said Kodagu has a rich historical legacy and its ancient manuscripts must be collected and digitised. He noted that manuscripts help in understanding social and cultural history and contain valuable traditional knowledge. They also aid in studying old Kannada and other languages.He said manuscripts serve as a link for future generations to understand the beliefs, rituals and lifestyles of their ancestors. Directing officials to begin manuscript collection immediately, he suggested convening a meeting of historians, literary enthusiasts and elders so manuscripts can be identified, scanned and returned to their owners.He said the state govt launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission in 2025-26 budget to protect manuscript heritage through survey, documentation, scientific conservation and digitisation. He urged the public to participate by uploading manuscripts found at home or nearby locations through Gyan Bharatam app, or by sharing details with district-level survey teams.Archaeology department curator Rekha said manuscripts may be found at Omkareshwar Temple, Palur Mahalingeshwar Temple, Armeri Math, Kirikodli Math, ainmanes and dhavas bhandaras. She said the project is being implemented through the department of archaeology, museums and heritage.District coordinator Karthikeyan said the survey is being conducted in coordination with the departments of archaeology, museums and heritage and tourism. Field Marshal KM Cariappa College principal Maj Prof Raghav also spoke.***BOXDC to officials: Take steps to protect waterbodiesMeanwhile, Somashekhar directed officials to take steps to protect lakes and water sources in Kodagu to safeguard groundwater. Chairing the District Groundwater Committee meeting, he said establishments must obtain no-objection certificates from the Groundwater Directorate or Karnataka Groundwater Authority.Senior geologist S Sudha said applications for no-objection certificates were received from Galibidu, Makkandur, Yavakapadi, Emmemadu, Monnangeri, Kudige, Kumaralli and Ponnampet, along with three new online applications. She said action is being taken against unregistered borewell drilling rigs.Officials also reviewed borewell performance, closure of failed borewells, observation wells, water sample testing and drinking water quality..
