Hampi heritage area to have 29 villages, up from four

Ten years since the publication of the master plan regulating the commercial and tourism activities in and around UNESCO world heritage site Hampi, the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) has called for suggestions from the public for preparation of the new Master Plan (Revised)-01.

To gain control over commercial and tourism activities around the medieval Indian historic site in Hosapete taluk of Ballari district, HWHAMA had published a detailed master plan way back in 2007. However, as per provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, the Master Plan has to be revised once every 10 years.

HWHAMA has decided to include more villages abutting Hampi under its area. A town planning officer with the Authority told DH that the 2007 master plan only included four villages and the latest will include 29 villages in Hosapete and Gangavati taluks.

“The first master plan had done a detailed survey of four villages - Hampi, Kaddirampur, Kamalapur and Anegundi. The land use patterns in these villages were also explained in detail. A similar exercise will be carried out in 29 revenue villages that surround the world heritage site,” the officer said.

Hampi, by publishing the plan, was the first world heritage site in India to have come up with such a master plan. As village residents lived within the archaeological area, besides continuing with their daily chores, the site was seen as a lively and vibrant heritage site.

However, the transformation of traditional and cultural landscape within the villages and tourism-related commercial activities spilling on to neighbouring villages posed a threat to the heritage.

This called for zonal regulations. Striking a balance between heritage conservation and local area development, the master plan was drafted.

“The master plan will be revised by adding other villages including the popular Virupapura Gaddi, Gudi Obalapura and Venkatapura, so that a detailed land use pattern can be decided on and published,” the town planning officer said. The public can submit their suggestions within 60 days from the day of notification.