As there is a drought prevailing in the state, the government should give approval to hold Hampi Utsav for a single day and in a simple manner this year, said tourism and district in-charge minister Anand Singh on Wednesday, in an appeal to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar. The Utsav was cancelled last year as the state was again under drought. Normally, it is held for three days.
Mr Singh said, “Since the state government has decided to hold low-key Dasara festivities in Mysore, we have asked the state government to permit Hampi Utsav for a day.” He said Joladarasi Gudda on the outskirts of Hospet will be developed into a major tourist destination and a statue of Swami Vivekananda will be installed on top of the hill. He said, “The project will be taken up at a cost of around Rs 15 crore. Gudda is at present under the control of Vivekananda Trust. Visitors can have a panoramic view of Hampi, Tungabhadra dam and Hospet from the top of the Gudda.” Mr Singh said, “I have sought information on the status of heli tourism, theme park and other projects at Hampi for the development of tourism.”