Pic: Virupaksha Temple at Hampi; A monument filled with weeds, which is a frequent occurrence in Hampi, a Unesco World Heritage SiteHampi (Vijayanagara): Hampi, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is looking greener with grass on and around many of its monuments after recent rains. This not only detracts viewers from the beauty of these structures but also poses a threat to their very existence.The first thing that catches the attention of thousands of tourists is the grass that is growing on the monuments. As a result, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which blocks development initiatives for various reasons, is becoming a focal point of frustration for tourists and local residents due to its inaction in protecting the monuments.Grass has overgrown on the row of pavilions on both sides of the chariot street in front of the Virupakshwara Temple, considered the crown of Hampi. The pavilions of the Basavanna Temple opposite are also covered in grass.The ASI, which initiated the preservation of the pavilions that collapsed on either side of the Car Street, is yet to finish the work even after two years. “The monuments have been left unattended, without any care,” claims Vijay Kumar Hanagi from Koppal, a frequent visitor to Hampi.Ditches on either side of the roadway leading to the Sri Virupaksha Temple are filled with foul-smelling water. During Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit on Oct 15, the ASI, Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), and district administration put up green screens on both sides to obscure the unpleasant sight.H Hulugappa, founder of Sri Krishnadevaraya Memorial Cultural Preservation Foundation, Hampi, alleges that the pavilions in the bazaar in front of the Sri Virupaksha Temple have fallen into disrepair. After reconstruction began, ditches that were dug on both sides were not filled, leading to rainwater and puddles filling them up.“Those who visit Sri Virupaksha temple, also known as Dakshina Kashi, are first confronted with the foul-smelling ditches before they have darshan. Officials may cover them during VIP visits. However, they cannot be hidden from people. They must stop this game of hide and seek tactic and instead focus on providing adequate facilities,” he urged.Deputy commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri said: “It has come to our notice that there is a mess of facilities for tourists, and a meeting of officials will be called to discuss the problems, including the maintenance of the monuments. After discussion, remedial measures will be suggested,” she clarified.Attempts to contact ASI and HWHAMA officials were unsuccessful.
