BALLARI: Efforts to reintroduce the sound and light show during the three-day Hampi Utsav proved futile as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not granted permission.
The Song and Drama Division of the ministry is the authority to organise the programme.
Minister for Labour and District Minister P T Parameshwar Naik told reporters here on Tuesday that a letter was sent to the ministry long ago, requesting it to take steps to organise the show.
No Entry Fee
He said the district administration has decided not to collect entry fee for cultural programmes. Entry will be free. All arrangements, including drinking water and toilets are being made at the venue, he said.
“Amount of `3.5 crore was released by the state and Central governments for the Utsav. Kannada and Culture and Tourism Departments of the State government released `2 crore and `1 crore each while the Centre offered `50 lakh,” he added.
The minister said there was a decision to collect money from local bodies for organising the Utsav and they have been directed to contribute.
A total of `2 crore is expected from the local bodies and other donors, he added.