Representatives from more than 22 sectors urged heritage conservation, infrastructure development and improved public facilities during a stakeholder consultation meeting in HospetUNESCO experts inspected Hampi’s historical monuments in Karnataka, while a stakeholder meeting in Hospet called for heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, better infrastructure and community participation in the region’s development.
Bellari: A team of UNESCO experts visited and inspected the historical monuments of Hampi on Monday. During the visit, the team admired the famous stone chariot and the music hall at the Vijaya Vitthala Temple, where the musical sounds associated with the Saptaswara were demonstrated.
Local tour guides explained the history and architectural significance of the Vijayanagara Empire to the visiting experts. Vijayanagara District Magistrate Kavita S. Mannikeri and other senior officials were present during the visit.
Hampi Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Discussed
As part of the UNESCO team’s visit, the Vijayanagara and Koppal district administrations organised a stakeholder consultation meeting in Hospet. Representatives from more than 22 sectors, including tourism and culture, participated in the meeting and discussed proposals for Hampi’s conservation and regional development.
The meeting unanimously called for prioritising the preservation of Hampi’s heritage monuments and promoting sustainable tourism. Participants also sought the promotion of agri-tourism and farm stays, along with the development of roads and infrastructure connected to Hampi.
Other proposals included constructing a ropeway on Anjanadri Hills, providing emergency medical facilities, reviving Kamalapur Lake, improving hospital and sanitation facilities, and implementing the Hampi by Night project to attract tourists.
Speaking at the meeting, experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an organisation affiliated with UNESCO, warned that excluding local communities from heritage conservation could put living heritage at risk of extinction.
The experts said that the interests and development of local residents should receive equal priority alongside heritage protection.
Responding to the suggestions, Vijayanagara District Magistrate Kavita S. Mannikeri assured participants that the important recommendations raised during the meeting would be considered in the new Integrated Management Plan for Hampi.
