The restoration efforts at the Kanakagiri Mandapam of the Virupaksha temple premises in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have come to a halt. Initiated on February 15, the task involved the removal of old paint from the monument. Concerns have been raised by historians who fear that the original charm of the structure, adorned with paint made from lime and clay over 200 years ago, might be compromised.
As the cleaning process began with the removal of paint from a bowl, attention turned to a pillar. However, after the publication of a report highlighting these activities, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) temporarily suspended the restoration work.
In response to the concerns raised, ASI summoned experts to the site, including a chemical expert who visited on Wednesday. Following the expert’s recommendation against the removal of the paint, the work has been put on hold.
