Ballari: Ballari BJP MP B. Sriramulu wants a bathing ghat to be developed on the bank of river Tungabhadra adjacent to the famed Virupaksha temple in the world heritage site-Hampi.
He made a request in this regard to Mr N.K Sinha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Culture during the latter’s visit to the heritage site.
Mr Sriramulu informed Mr Sinha that he plans to develop the bathing and religious ritual ghat on the banks of the Tungabhadra, similar to the ghats in Varanasi utilising MPLAD funds. Mr Sinha responded positively to the plea.
Mr N.C. Prakash Nayakanda, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Mini Circle Hampi said that permission of the Secretary, Union Ministry of Culture and Director General of Archeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi is compulsory to develop ghats on the bank of a river as this place falls within 100 metres of the Virupaksha temple which is an ASI protected monument.
Mr Sriramulu also requested Mr Sinha to accord priority for the overall development of Hampi as an international tourist destination, besides allocating adequate funds for conservation of the ancient monuments.
Mr Sinha visited monuments like Virupaksha temple, Vijaya Vittala temple, Ugra Narasimha statue, Manmatha Honda in Hampi, Anjanadri Hill in Anegundi which is believed to be birthplace of god Hanuman and the ASI museum in Kamalapura. Besides, he listened to the music emanating from the musical pillars at Vittal temple and inspected the stone chariot.
Mr Sen also inspected the conservation works being carried out by the ASI at Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple complex, conservation of stone mantapas in Virupaksha Bazaar and other places.
Mr N.C. Prakash Nayakanda said that Mr Sinha expressed satisfaction over the progress of conservation work and sought more assistance from the Union government to take up more conservation and excavation work.
