Karnataka - Bellary   

Removal of encroachments in Hampi sought

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELLARY, MARCH 28. Achyutadevaraya, president of the Save Hampi Campaign Committee, has underlined the need to protect Hampi, which, he said, is culturally, historically and architecturally an important world heritage site.

He told presspersons here today that hundreds of acres of land around ancient monuments in Hampi has been encroached upon and "dargahs" are coming up near the Eeranna Temple adjacent to Purandara Mantap near Vishnupada (Hanumapada). This is a result of the sheer negligence on the part of the State and Central archaeological departments, he said.

He said he will discuss the issue with the Deputy Commissioner, S.N. Jayaram, who is also the chairman of the Hampi World Heritage Site Management Authority, and urge him to initiate steps to prevent illegal activities and also get the encroachments removed.

"We (the committee) are not against anybody. However, we oppose the onslaught on Hindu culture and tradition and illegal activities that will spoil the sanctity of the place," he said.

He said the committee has decided to intensify its campaign by involving researchers and intellectuals such as Chidananda Murthy and Haranahalli Ramaswamy to pressure the Government to concede its demands.

Anil Joshi, a member of the committee, wanted the authorities to clear all encroachments. "Let the authorities consult the members of the royal family, researchers and historians who have studied and worked in Hampi and initiate action. All encroachments should go and we will fight for it," he said.

Later, Mr. Achyutadevaraya met the Deputy Commissioner and said the sanctity of Hampi was getting eroded.

Mr. Jayaram, who promised to look into the matter, asked the committee to provide specific instances of illegal activities so that they can be tackled on priority.

He said there are reports of drug pedalling at Virpapur Gadda and steps will be taken to curb it.

Mr. Jayaram said he will convene a meeting of the authorities concerned including the Superintendent of Police, Koppal district, to chalk out a plan of action to prevent illegal activities in Hampi.

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Removal of encroachments in Hampi sought

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