Greenery adds to rugged Hampi’s beauty

Ballari: The lockdown has hit tourism hard and Hampi is no exception. One of the biggest revenue generators for the state and the region, the world heritage site which boasts of over 900-odd monuments wears a deserted look.
But the brief spells of pre-monsoon showers has given the heritage site in Ballari district a green look. The rugged and hilly region place sports a green look and is all set to greet tourists with its vibrant atmosphere.
For bird watcher Shivashankar Banakar its a dream come true. "One hears the calls of so many birds now as it is so silent and because of the greenery," he adds
The trees which had withered in the scorching sun is prouting green foliage.
P N Lokesh, commissioner, Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority, said Hampi looks beautiful now. Tourists are going to enjoy the beauty of monuments amidst the greenery. The last two months, green cover increased across Hampi. There is a huge patch of greenery between monuments like Purandardas Mantap and Vijaya Vitthal temple. The landscape is very beckoning."
The last time Lokesh saw Hampi so lush green was way back in the 80s. "The green cover adds to the beauty of the ruins," he added.
M H Prakash Rao, temple officer, Hampi Veerupaksha Temple said, "The 400-mtr long stretch from Veerupaksha temple to Yaduru Basavanna temple is green. The lockdown helped us clean the place and tend to the plants and gardens. This is not possible as we otherwise get so many tourists," he explained.
K G Govindraj, vigilant officer, Gescom, said during lockdown locals would volunteer to keep the place clean and help in planting saplings.