Bellary: Within weeks of a truck backing into and destroying a pillar of the Salu mantapa in front of the 16th century Sri Krishna temple in Bazaar Street in Hampi, the World Heritage site has been wrecked again!
This time, a 300 metre trench has been dug at a depth of three metres right next to the Queen's Bath on Thursday, destroying 30 pieces of pottery and earthenware below, reduced to shards in minutes.
An earth-mover was used for the digging, in clear violation of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rules. The trench is being laid under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner, Hospet, Sunil Kumar, also Commissioner for the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority.
While the intent is laudable - it's an attempt to lay a waterpipe that will end water-logging, clear blocked toilets and allow electric connections to the monuments as part of preparations for the forthcoming Hampi Utsav - the execution is not.
The DC's office which asked “What interest do we have in damaging the area, tell me?”, has been criticised for using a heavy duty earthmover instead of a sucker in a protected area.
ASI officials say they will lodge a complaint with Kamalapura police over damages to ASI monuments.
