IN RUINS: The remains of the `Aresankara Bavi Bagilu' at Hampi, which has immense heritage value. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

BELLARY: Perhaps for the first time, a concerted effort is being made by all the departments concerned to chalk out a plan for the preservation, conservation and protection of Hampi, a world heritage site.

Mapping the world heritage site, documenting monuments with details of major and important ones and their conditions, studying statues, problems faced in their conservation, encroachments near the monuments, security of tourists, and prevention of sale of narcotics are among the issues that will be tackled on priority by the Revenue, Police and Archaeology departments.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting held recently in Bangalore which was convened in the wake of the "Save Hampi Campaign" launched by writer M. Chidananda Murthy along with Raja Achutadevaraya, a descendant of the Vijayanagar dynasty. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, B.S. Yediyurappa, also raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly.

Dr. Murthy had complained of encroachments around the monuments and illegal activities such as sale of narcotics, which, he said, had vitiated the sanctity in and around Hampi.

Usha Ganesh, Principal Secretary, Kannada and Culture; Halkatti, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Karnataka Circle; S.N. Jayaram, Deputy Commissioner of Bellary; the Deputy Commissioner of Koppal; the Superintendents of Police, Bellary and Koppal; and senior officials of various departments attended the meeting.

Documentation

Official sources told The Hindu that the meeting, after discussing all issues in detail, decided to take up documentation of the monuments in Hampi. It also decided to take corrective measures with regard to encroachments and other aspects.

The meeting also decided to have a full-fledged police station for Hampi. At present, the Hampi world heritage site is spread between Bellary and Koppal districts and there is a jurisdictional problem with regard to controlling the drug menace and other illegal activities. The Superintendents of Police have been asked to prepare a proposal in this regard.

Mr. Jayaram told The Hindu that the documentation will come in handy in preventing encroachments. He also said the Bellary and Koppal police have been asked to strengthen security at Hampi and initiate action to curb sale of narcotics.

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