(a) whether Hampi in Karnataka is a world heritage site;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of funds allocated and utilised for the Hampi utsava celebrations during
each of the last three years and the current year;
(d) whether there is any encroachment by the public on the said heritage site; and
(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government
to remove such encroachments?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. Hampi has been declared as a World Heritage Site and included in the World Heritage
List in the year 1986.
(c) Hampi Utsava is celebrated every year by Government of Karnataka coinciding with the Dasara Festival
and the entire expenditure is borne by the State Government of Karnataka. Archaeological Survey of India
has not spent any amount towards the celebration of these festivities.
(d) & (e) Yes, Sir. Among the 57 (fifty seven) Centrally Protected Monuments, encroachment is seen only
in the Bazaar mandapas of Virupaksha Temple, which was earlier under the protection of the State Department
of Archaeology, Government of Karnataka and was brought under Central protection in the year 2002-03. The
mandapas were already under encroachment when it was under Department of Archaeology, Government of Karnataka.
Archaeological Survey of India has initiated several steps towards the removal of encroachments from these
mandapas.
A comprehensive documentation of these mandapas for identification of the occupants, both encroachers
as well as patta holders has been undertaken and has initiated further action in collaboration with
Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA). Recently, the HWHAMA has prepared an exhaustive
rehabilitation proposal to rehabilitate the encroachers following the guidelines of the National
Rehabilitation Policy of Government of India. The District administration (i.e. Bellary District)
has given 11 acres of land for the rehabilitation purpose.