ASI proposes plan to prevent waterlogging in Hampi site

Bellary (

) Sep 15: Archaeological Survey of India has mooted a plan to conduct a thorough survey of Hampi, capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire and an UNESCO world

site, to prevent waterlogging of the monuments during the monsoon.

Water gushes into a few religious and civil monuments in partially low lying areas, especially after incessant rains. Due to poor drainage system, water stagnates for a few days till it dries up on its own. ASI is contemplating a survey in a move to find a lasting solution to the problem,

ASI Deputy Superintending Archaeologist Prakash Naykanda told PTI, adding, it had been proposed to the Karnataka government. A permanent solution to protect the monuments will be possible once the mini circle office of ASI comes up at Hospet in Bellary district, he said.

The old drainage system constructed during the Vijayanagar empire period is in a neglected state. "Firstly we have to trace the old drainage systems in order to chalk out a plan for a new system," he said. Virupaksha and Vittal temples top the list of monuments threatened due to inundation.

PTI