Upalokayukta orders action against illegal Hampi homestays and resorts

The Story in Brief

Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa has ordered officials to act against illegal homestays, resorts and other commercial properties within the Hampi World Heritage Area. The directive followed his surprise visit last month and a suo motu case over alleged violations in the core, buffer and peripheral zones.

The Hindu reports that about 200 homestays operate illegally across the Hampi World Heritage Area, while another 250 allegedly function without HWHAMA permission in Janata Colony near Hampi Temple. Officials must verify licences, land conversion papers, building approvals and liquor permissions, and submit details of legal action. Hospet Assistant Commissioner Vivekananda disputed the figure of 200, but acknowledged illegal homestays and promised a survey. Authorities were also told to arrange alternative accommodation for people living or running businesses illegally within 100 metres of Janata Street.

The Indian Opinion

The easy story is that either every Hampi stay is illegal or that enforcement threatens local livelihoods. Neither follows from the available facts. Heritage rules, building approvals and land records should apply equally, while affected residents need a lawful relocation plan rather than abrupt eviction. The immediate test is the officials’ promised survey: how many properties lack permission, and how many can produce valid documents?

Source: thehindu.com

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