Kolkata: Security at the sprawling 14th
century world heritage site Hampi in northern Karnataka
has been tightened after parts of the famed Varaha temple
collapsed due to "illegal quarrying" in nearby villages.
Karnataka state Tourism Director K Viswanatha Reddy on Friday
said here that the persons carrying out the illegal quarrying
had been identified and security in the entire area, spread
over several hillocks, has been strengthened.
Built in 1336 AD, Hampi temples and monuments are located
within the ruins of the famous Vijayanagara empire. The site
was declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage spot.
Reddy said that the damage to the Varaha temple due to
quarrying had, however, not hampered the tourist flow and the
damage was being repaired by experts of the Archaeological
survey of India.
"The incident was a stray one," said Reddy, who was here
to attend a function.
Granite quarrying is said to be rampant at Bukkasagara,
Venkatapura and Gudalkere villages located close to these
temples and monuments.
PTI
First Published: Friday, July 15, 2011, 19:08