It's
a bridge to nowhere across the river Tungabhadra near the town
of Anegundi, a town located amidst the historical ruins of
Hampi. The only way this town can be accessed is via Hospet,
about 12 kms away, or via Gangavathi, which is about 20 kms.
Hospet is now a hub of tourist activity catering to travellers visiting
Hampi. Gangavathi, with its narrow winding streets and booming
businesses, has recently awakened
to the potential of tourism. Various boarding and lodging facilities
have mushroomed all over the town. Keeping these in mind, a state-of-the-art
suspension bridge was being constructed to promote tourism. The bridge
would have shortened the journey to Hampi by about 4 kms from
Gangavathi.
In December 1999, the "Group of Monuments at Hampi" was placed
on the list of World Heritage Sites which are threatened by
unplanned development. According to the report by UNESCO,the
constructions of the bridge over the river Tungabhadra will
require dislocation and reconstruction of important historical monuments
in the vicinity. They threaten the integrity of the site and will
result in an increase in traffic. This will have an adverse impact
and hamper archaeological research and excavations.
The state government of Karnataka has decided to relocate the
bridge within the Hampi World Heritage site as recommended by UNESCO
and the International Council on Monuments and
Sites (ICOMOS) to protectthe
area and its invaluable archaeological remains. The decision was welcomed
by UNESCO as a major step in the successful implementations
of the 1972 convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural
and Natural Heritage. India is a signatory to this which ensures
the protection, conservation, presentation and transmission of World
Heritage to future generations.
A little forethought would have prevented the colossal expenditure
which the relocation will entail, but our precious past should not
be destroyed and the move is welcome news!
