Officials bar visitors from the historic site of Hampi, as they fear rains or even minor tremors may cause dilapidated structures to collapse
Officials bar visitors from the historic site of Hampi, as they fear rains or even minor tremors may cause dilapidated structures to collapse
Heavy rains over the last seven days and rumours of tremors have dampened the plans of tourists visiting the ruins of Hampi.
Hampi's historic sites, including Vijaya Vittala temple, Krishna temple, Purandara Mantap and Rama Devaragudi, are completely flooded. They cannot even visit the Kamal Mahal, Purandara Mantap and Gaja Shale now.
"Officials are keeping visitors away from these sites because they fear some of the historic monuments that are in dilapidated state may collapse," said a visitor, who was refused entry on Saturday.
Visitors have been asked to stay away from the areas that have been flooded since the Tunga Bhadra River overflowed, and adjoining sites that are not yet flooded.
The Kamal Mahal, a unique site constructed using limestone and bricks, where the royal family is believed to have lit lamps, and Gaja Shale, where elephants of the royal army were kept, are deluged.
"A recent collapse at Kamal Mahal has prompted officials to bar visitors," said Rachaiah, a local resident.
Earthquake?
Visitors in Hampi last weekend panicked due to rumours of tremors at Prakashnagar. "The place has at least 300 visitors, every weekend. But the current restrictions have brought down the number to 100 this week," said Maheshwar.
Officials hope that the situation in Hampi will return to normal by next weekend. "We are not allowing tourists near historic sites as a precautionary measure," said B N Nanjundi, a guide in Hampi.
"The rains have affected the lives of people who depend on tourism. We hope the situation recovers by next weekend."
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