Hampi by Sky' offer up for grabs! Archaeologists not excited

Ballari: For the third year in succession, the Hampi Utsav Samiti has organised chopper rides titled ‘Hampi By Sky’ for a period of seven days as part of Hampi Utsav-2016.

Considering the increased popularity of the whirlwind helicopter joyride over historic Hampi, the Samiti has extended chopper rides for seven days from November 1 to 9, which was earlier limited to three days. According to authorities, two choppers will be available from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 pm at the makeshift helipad near Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari in Kamalapur.

‘Hampi By Sky’ was introduced for the first time at HampiUtsav-2014 and has evoked a tremendous response from the public with passengers excited over their maiden flight. Choppers fly over the UNESCO world heritage site, Hampi covering Vijaya Vittala Temple, Veerupaksha Temple, Anjanaradi Hill, Kamalapura before landing at the helipad.

Each seven-minute ride costs Rs 1,900 per head, while the 10-minute ride is priced at Rs 2,600. However, archaeologists and historians have expressed reservations about the ‘Hampi-by-sky’ stating that the vibrations caused by the two choppers, hovering over the world heritage site for four days, that too, flying low over the ruins, would threaten the  monuments.

A senior archaeologist was concerned about the activity and said in the event of an untoward incident, the priceless monuments, having universal value, would be damaged.