In Madikeri, Karnataka, the department of archaeology, museums and heritage has launched a significant initiative to conserve hero stones, locally known as Veeragallu, across the three taluks of Kushalnagar, Somwarpet, and Madikeri. This conservation project aims to protect over 500 hero stones and various stone inscriptions that hold cultural and historical importance. In the initial phase, conservation efforts will focus on 55 to 60 hero stones found in villages such as Hudugur, Bendebetta, Harangi backwater area, Seegehosur, and Athur in Kushalnagar taluk. The department has begun the preservation work and is documenting detailed records related to each stone. Furthermore, comprehensive information on all stone inscriptions in both rural and urban areas of the district has been meticulously documented. A proposal for a development-oriented project has been submitted to the state government to facilitate these efforts. BP Rekha, an officer in the department, confirmed that the preservation of these significant cultural artifacts will continue under an action plan approved for the 2025–26 period.