At Hampi, tourists will see ‘grass shrouded’ history!

The grass sprouting in the vicinity of monuments and even on top of gigantic structures has turned into a menace for the 500-year old monuments here. With the beginning of the tourist season at the UNESCO world heritage site this month, experts are shocked that the sorry state of affairs is continuing. Visitors from over 35 countries are expected to visit Hampi over the next three months, and 83 monuments have been listed in maps as major attractions.

Tourists from across the world will see grass and vegetation at prime monuments including the temple of the king’s principle deity, Virupaksha and many structures may eventually collapse due to the dense vegetation. Particularly depressing is the condition of the 473-year-old Pattabhirama temple, one of the major attractions. Built in 1540, the structure looks utterly neglected with grass and plants sprouting from the gopuram and walls. Experts say that plants are not just a threat to the building, but also a reflection of the apathy on the part of the ASI authorities.

When contacted, Mr Prakash C Nayakada, superintending archeologist, ASI, Hampi mini circle said that chemical cleaning of the Virupaksha temple is already under progress. He denied any lapse and claimed conservation work is going on by engaging labourers, clearing vegetation and preventing grass from sprouting on the monuments.

But, the ground reality is otherwise at the premises of Lotus Mahal, Vijaya Temple complex and interior temples like Chennakeshwa temple in Kamalapur. Apart from the ASI, state archeology department and Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority are equally responsible for the grass menace since they have failed to evolve a permanent solution for preventing vegetation growth after every rainy season.