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UNESCO team unhappy with site of facilitation centre

By Our Staff Correspondent

Facilitation centre, which is being constructed at Hampi World Heritage Site, is likely to be objected to by UNESCO.

HOSPET, JUNE 9. After the controversial cable-stayed bridge, it is the turn of the facilitation centre that is being built at the Hampi World Heritage Site that is likely to place Hampi in the list of "World Heritage Sites in Danger."

The location selected for the construction is not ideal. The construction of the building is not in accordance with Para 56 of the operational guidelines issued by UNESCO, according to Feng Jing, programme expert of UNESCO, Asia-Pacific section.

Mr. Feng told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Union and State governments had not informed UNESCO about the construction of the facilitation centre.

Para 56 of the operational guidelines states, "Notice should be given as soon as possible (before drafting the basic document for specific projects) and before making decision that would be difficult to reverse, so that the Committee may assist in seeking appropriate solution to ensure that the World Heritage Value is preserved." Mr. Feng said that the UNESCO team that visited the site last year had expressed concern over the construction of the centre and said that the matter had to be studied further.

He felt that a detailed study had to be made in this regard and said that the construction of the centre should be stopped a final clearance was obtained from UNESCO.

The foundation and pillars of the centre have been constructed. The centre, which is coming up near the entrance to the Gayatri peetha and is estimated to cost Rs. 5 crore, includes an interpretation centre, rest-rooms, and shopping and commercial centres.

Mr. Feng said that the state of conservation in protected areas was good and added that the Union and State Governments and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had taken measures to mitigate the threats posed to the World Heritage Site.

He said that the site management plan, which was being evolved, should give attention to the way of life at Hampi, especially in the bazaar area in front of the Virupaksha temple. Mr. Feng said that the UNESCO had been providing emergency technical assistance, which includes technical expertise and financial assistance, for the Hampi World Heritage site.

Organising a stake-holders' meet, the first step in evolving a site management plan, was part of the assistance and the WHC had approved a grant of $75,000 to carry out the exercise, he said, adding that the funds would be released in phases.

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