Upa Lokayukta directs action against illegal homestays, resorts in Hampi
Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa has ordered the removal of illegal homestays and resorts operating within the Hampi World Heritage Area. Officials must now report on the status of these properties and ensure compliance with heritage protection guidelines.
Why it matters
The enforcement action is vital for preserving UNESCO World Heritage sites from unregulated commercial encroachment.
Following a surprise visit to Hampi last month, Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa has directed officials in Hampi to take legal and appropriate action against all the homestays running illegally within the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) limits and clear them soon. They have been ordered to provide alternative accommodation to those living illegally within 100 metres of Janata Street in Hampi and to those who are running commercial businesses.
Justice Veerappa told The Hindu that he found several violations of guidelines with respect to core zone, buffer zone and periphery zone owing to the allowance of commercial activities and homestays in the prohibited area of the Hampi World Heritage Area. He has booked a suo motu case over the violations.
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