Karnataka: Illegal resorts, hotels in core heritage zone of Hampi shut; owners allege bias

HAMPI (VIJAYANAGARA): Acting on multiple complaints against resorts operating illegally near the ruins of the mediaeval metropolis, the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWAMA) sealed more than 53 commercial establishments.
All of these establishments were situated within the core zone on the northern banks of the Tungabhadra River. The owners of these establishments, who are all understandably upset, have pointed out that the HWAMA has not initiated action against resorts, hotels, et al, operating illegally on the southern banks of the river.
The owners have called on the HWAMA to be bipartisan in the dispensation of its duties, and demanded that establishments operating illegally in the core heritage zone on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra be closed as well.
Sources said that many illegal resorts and hotels had been set up without requisite permission in Kaddiramapur, Kamalapur and other villages on the southern banks of the river, which fall under the purview of the core heritage zone. “Many of these establishments are set up on farmland that is not converted, and without obtaining permission from the competent authorities. However, the HWAMA has not initiated action against these establishments,” said a source.
The owner of a hotel in Sanapur in Gangavati taluk that was recently forced shut by the HWAMA questioned the agency’s discriminatory attitude towards establishments on the other side of the river. “HWAMA officials and authorities of the revenue department ordered us to shut shop, and we raised no objection since this was the law. But the HWAMA appears to be blind to the commercial activities being conducted in violation of the same rules on the southern banks of the river. If the heritage authority is really concerned about the sanctity of Hampi, then it must close all illegal establishments,” the owner said.
Commissioner of HWAMA Siddarameshwar Hiremath said that they had identified 14 resorts operating illegally on farmland on the southern banks of Tungabhadra. “We will not allow establishments to operate illegally within the heritage zone. There is no question of our being biased. We will initiate action against all illegal resorts and hotels without delay,” said Hiremath.
Chairman of HWAMA Aniruddha Shravan, also the deputy commissioner of Vijayanagara district, said that more than 50 illegal commercial establishments in Gangavati taluk, and we will initiate action in all places surrounding Hosapete at the earliest.