Strong resentment was voiced after locals were excluded from a meeting on “World Heritage, Sustainable Development and Local Communities” held on Wednesday at a private resort in Hosmalapanagudi, attended by UNESCO representatives.
The session, jointly hosted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Hampi World Heritage Site Management Authority (HWHMA), focused on technical discussions regarding building bylaws and architectural norms in the vicinity of Hampi. Despite the theme emphasizing community involvement, locals were not included, resulting in widespread discontent. The absence of the District Magistrate further fueled the backlash.
“Ever since Hampi received World Heritage Site status, locals have faced various issues. This meeting could have been a chance to raise them. But when officials were contacted, they brushed off complaints with excuses,” residents alleged.
Locals said that the District Magistrate and MLAs, who are accessible to the public, should have at least been part of the proceedings. “These very representatives, who understand ground-level issues, were kept out,” they complained.
Ugrappa’s Reaction:
“No development is possible by sidelining the local population,” said former MP V.S. Ugrappa. “The state should urge the Centre to reinvest funds generated from Hampi tourism into the area itself.”
Attempts to get a response from ASI and HWHMA officials proved unsuccessful.
‘One Rule for Some’
“For any heritage destination to flourish meaningfully, locals must be made stakeholders. Hampi, comprising 29 villages over 42 sq km, is now dominated by a select few. Grand resorts are coming up in the core zone, while locals aren’t allowed to even move a stone,” Ugrappa criticized, adding that elected representatives seem indifferent. “It appears a separate kind of justice exists here for the affluent.”
He also emphasized that true development of Hampi, one of the world’s most stunning heritage spots, means improved infrastructure like roads, rail connectivity, and an airport.
“Deliberate Neglect”:
“It’s highly deplorable that UNESCO, HWHMA, and ASI authorities deliberately overlooked Hampi’s residents and community stakeholders,” said Virupakshi V., President of the Welfare Development Association of Villages under HWHMA.