'Hampi By Night' project gains momentum

The World Heritage Area Development Authority is preparing to implement the ‘Hampi By Night’ project.

The Authority has already written to the Tourism department in this regard.

Tenders will be called for the project once the department grants the go ahead.
The Authority is keen that the project is implemented before the Hampi Utsav scheduled for November.

Hence, they are in constant touch with the department, so that the approval comes through.
The main intention is to provide access to tourists to the monuments during the night hours as they tend to give Hampi a miss in the summer months of April and May due to the intense heat.

The ‘Hampi By Night’ project will open 19 monuments for public viewing at night by lighting them up.

Trials had been conducted for the project in 2010, but it had not moved forward thereafter, Prashant Kumar Mishra, commissioner of the Authority, told DH.

Mishra said they were looking for private participation in the project as it involves huge expenses towards power bills, lights and speakers.

A senior officer of the Archaeological Survey of India said the project is in the doldrums due to lack of proper preparations.

The officer said that the previous BJP government had released Rs 12 crore for the ‘Hampi By Night’ project. He rued that the Authority spent the amount towards providing basic amenities to the tourists.

Now, it is looking for private investment in the project. Cultural programmes will be organised in front of the Basavanna and Kodandarama temples.

A laser light and sound show will be organised at each monument to explain their history and significance. The show will be organised at the Virupaksha temple, Vishnu temple, Virupaksha Bazaar, Sugriva’s caves, ancient bridge, Narasimha temple, Achyutaraya temple, Achyuta mantap, lotus mahal, Varaha temple and elephant stables.