Bengaluru: In a big setback for the tourism sector of the state, the government decided not to celebrate the annual Hampi Utsav in the historical Hampi of the Ballari district this year. The state government took a decision in this regard on Tuesday.

Speaking to the reporters, district in-charge and major irrigation minister DK Shivakumar informed that more than 100 taluks of the state including all the 8 taluks of the Ballari are facing drought situation. The people are undergoing tremendous problems. So we decided to postpone the event by a year.

“The amount will be utilised for the drought relief works,” he said.

Meanwhile, tour operators expressed their shock over the decision. “It will be a big jolt to the state tourism sector. We will hold talks with the state government in this regard,” informed a tour operator.