The locals were never a threat to Hampi’s heritage. We are the people who safeguarded these monuments for hundreds of years. The Authority came into existence only a few years ago.

But the monuments have been protected well before the Authority was born. Sending away local residents from the site area is highly deplorable. We will not allow it to happen. We will hold satyagraha if the government is keen on implementing the master plan without considering our objections.

- Seetharam Singh, president, Kamalapura Ryots’ Association.

Hampi heritage area comprises agriculture labourers in large numbers. Unless their welfare is taken care of, the State cannot safeguard monuments. The master plan should include welfare of the working class as its prime concern.

The master plan does not talk of countering fundamentalist activities that are being taken up by certain groups with vested interests in Hampi and surrounding areas. The most horrifying fact is that Hampi is becoming a safe hide-out for many rowdy elements. I am told that many agents of Mumbai dons hide in the caves of Hampi.

If such activities are allowed to continue, Hampi may turn out to be an epicentre of criminal activities in South India. The master plan does not touch this issue at all.

- Dr Mogalli Ganesh, Reader, Hampi
University.

The World Heritage Site status is in itself a conspiracy of the imperialist market. In order to retain the heritage site status, the State is making local people suffer. For the local residents, the status does not matter at all. They are only worried about their livelihood.

The master plan proposes to evict shoppers and agriculturists. A majority of farmers in the area own only one or two acres of land. If they lose their land, they may get money as compensation, but they can’t start their life elsewhere. Moreover, nowhere in the State is rehabilitation of the evicted done properly.

- Dr B M Puttaiah, Chairman, Dept. of Kannada Literature, Hampi University.

Virupaksha temple is not a monument but a living temple. Thousands of people come here to worship. During the Hampi Jatra in April, people from distant places visit the place. I don’t understand how the ASI can take over a live temple when it is not a monument.

Moreover, mantapas in front of the temple were originally meant for business. We are doing the same. If the State wants us to give a heritage look to our shops, we are ready. But we are not ready to shift somewhere else.

- Shantakumar, owner of a money
exchange unit in Hampi.