ourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi will soon be rewarded with ₹1 for every used plastic bottle they recycle, as authorities introduce reverse vending machines across key tourist locations. The initiative, launched jointly by the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), aims to reduce plastic waste, promote responsible tourism, and keep the historic monument complex clean.
The reverse vending machines will allow visitors to insert empty plastic bottles, which will then be automatically crushed for recycling. In return, the machine will dispense a ₹1 coin, encouraging tourists to dispose of plastic waste responsibly rather than littering the heritage site.
The machines are expected to be installed at several high-footfall locations, including Virupaksha Temple, the main parking area, Gejjala Mantapa, Queen’s Bath, Kadalekalu Ganesha, and Mahanavami Dibba. Authorities have entrusted a private agency with installing and maintaining the recycling units.
Officials say plastic waste has become a growing concern due to the increasing number of visitors to Hampi every year. The initiative forms part of the “Clean Hampi, Beautiful Hampi” campaign, which seeks to involve tourists directly in preserving the heritage site’s environment.
According to ASI officials, the project is expected to be rolled out within the next few days. If successful, it could serve as a model for similar eco-friendly initiatives at other heritage and tourist destinations across the country.