The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a 2026 Bill to create the Sannati Development Authority and sanctioned ₹21 crore for a new bridge across the Bennetora river near Kanasur in Kalaburagi district, as part of a plan to develop the historic site into an international heritage, cultural and tourism centre.
The approvals were announced by Home Minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge minister Priyank Kharge after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The proposed authority will be established as a separate statutory body under the Bill.
The authority will be chaired by the district in-charge minister, while the Minister for Minority Welfare will serve as vice-chairperson. Ministers from relevant departments, elected representatives, senior government officials and representatives of local bodies will also be included as members. The Bill provides for up to five nominated members, including at least one person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
The proposed body will have powers to undertake development works at Sannati and its surrounding areas. These works may include roads, street lighting, sanitation, drainage, drinking water supply, electricity, public facilities, markets, libraries and recreational centres for both visitors and local residents.
Sannati, in Chittapur taluk, is known for its historical and archaeological significance. The authority’s proposed remit also covers the development of the Adholoka Mahachaitya Buddhist Mahastupa at nearby Kanaganahalli. According to the minister’s statement, consultations and meetings have been held on the site’s development, including discussions involving experts.
The Cabinet has separately given administrative approval for the construction of a new bridge across the Bennetora river near Kanasur in Kalagi taluk and for raising the approach roads on either side. The Karnataka Road Development Corporation will execute the project under capital expenditure at an estimated cost of ₹21 crore.
The planned reinforced concrete girder bridge will be 160 metres long and 10.50 metres wide. The project also includes the construction and raising of bituminous approach roads with a combined length of 540 metres on both sides of the bridge.
The government will appoint an officer not below the rank of Deputy Secretary as the authority’s commissioner. The commissioner will function as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Sannati Development Authority. The Cabinet approval of the Bill and the bridge project now places the next steps with the state government and the implementing agencies.
