New Delhi: World-famous Hampi has been removed from UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in Danger by the World Heritage Committee, which considered the issue at its July 8 to 16 session at Vilnius in Lithuania, the Union Government said on Tuesday.

Since its inclusion in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 1999, several missions of the U.N. body had visited the site and suggested corrective measures, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni told the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply, Ms. Soni said Hampi was included in the list because of the construction of two bridges across the Tungabhadra river, which threatened the `integrity" of the site. UNESCO's suggestions were implemented by the Centre and the State Government, she said.

The corrective measures undertaken included dismantling of the pylons of the footbridge, construction of a bypass to divert heavy traffic from the heritage area, enforcement of traffic regulations and removal of encroachments.

The Minister said legislation had also been enacted for management of the heritage site, constitution of a Hampi Heritage Area Management Authority and formulation of a site management plan.

The corrective measures implemented were reported to the World Heritage Committee, which considered the issue at its 30th session, held at at Vilnius. — UNI

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