To protect the world heritage site of Hampi, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure that ‘no residential occupation’ is permitted within the protected areas of Hampi. A division bench of Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B.V. Nagarathna passed the order, considering that alternative sites have been provided to all the 314 affected families to shift from Virupaksha Temple Street to Kadirampura, which is 5 km away.
“Please get out of prohibited areas in the archaeological site. These are national monuments. Till now, we tried to protect your (petitioners’) interest, but not a single person has moved out. This is a national heritage and within its purview, you cannot be allowed,” the Chief Justice observed.The court was unhappy that it forced the state government to provide alternative sites to the petitioners, but none took it. “You then seek an alternate site on Sankey Road in Bengaluru,” he said in a lighter vein.
The court made it very clear that it is not passing the order for just this case, but to deal with all the archaeological sites or remains in Hampi. “No occupants will be allowed in the 100 metre radiusof archaeological sites in Hampi,” it said. The court took note of a submission by the Hampi World Heritage Area and Management Authority (HWHAMA) that it allotted sites to 14 more families, who claimed they were left out of the rehabilitation process. The court highlighted that survey number 148/1 in Kadirampura would be reserved for shopping area, which could be utilised by the affected families, who have been carrying out their business on Virupaksha Temple Street.
“These families can approach the authorities in respect of the plan to develop the shopping area. The new shops too can sell puja articles, artifacts and handicrafts relating to the heritage of Hampi,” the court said. On the commercial aspect, the court said it would pass the order during the next hearing. Looking at one of the photographs that showed clothes being hung for drying in the open, the Chief Justice asked: “Do you want people visiting Hampi to see clothes hung for drying?”
The Archaeological Society of India (ASI) said that they will seek the assistance of local authorities while rehabilitating the affected families. The ASI disputed the claims of petitioners that they were legal occupants, as the ASI director-general has not given them the approval and they have no right to remain there.