UNESCO Team Reviews Hampi Heritage Sites, Report Expected in Six Weeks

A team of UNESCO and ICOMOS experts has inspected the historical monuments at Hampi and other heritage sites in Vijayanagara district, reviewing conservation measures, construction activities, tourism management and the livelihoods of local residents. The team is expected to submit its report within six weeks.

The experts visited several historical monuments, including the Vijaya Vittala Temple, Krishna Temple, Lotus Mahal and Gagan Mahal, to assess their present condition and conservation requirements.

Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S Mannikeri told reporters on Tuesday that the team, comprising UNESCO expert George Abungu and ICOMOS expert Ishita Shimoda, held discussions with officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and reviewed the condition of major monuments and the measures taken for their conservation.

She said the team also examined construction activities around Anjanadri Hill, the expansion of commercial establishments and arrangements for managing the increasing number of tourists visiting the region.

The experts stressed the need to ensure that construction and other development activities do not obstruct the views of historical monuments or affect the heritage character of Hampi. They also suggested measures to preserve Hampi as a living cultural heritage site.

An important aspect of the discussions was the need to protect the livelihoods of people living in and around the heritage area while implementing conservation measures.

The experts suggested preparing a comprehensive master plan that would balance the protection of historical monuments with the interests of local communities.

The discussions covered the concerns of tourist guides, autorickshaw drivers, hotel workers, priests, farmers and local artists whose livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on activities in the heritage area.

Issues relating to restrictions on construction and other activities in the core heritage zone, protection of houses and properties belonging to local residents, movement of tourists and the operation of homestays were also discussed, the DC stated.

The team emphasised that conservation measures should not be confined to protecting monuments alone but should also take into account the lives, traditions and cultural practices of the local population.

Mannikeri said the experts would prepare their report based on the site inspections and consultations with officials and other stakeholders.

"The team is expected to submit its report within six weeks. Further decisions on conservation measures and the master plan will be taken based on its recommendations," she said.