K’taka govt orders action plan for UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bengaluru, Aug 13 (IANS) The Karnataka Tourism Department on Thursday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the “Clean & Green Hampi” campaign aimed at improving cleanliness, environmental conservation and visitor infrastructure at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourism Minister K.J. George said conservation and cleanliness in Hampi were key priorities.

“Rather than viewing Hampi merely as a tourist destination, our objective is to preserve its heritage significance while developing it as a clean, green and visitor‑friendly destination,” he stated.

He added that the campaign would focus on active participation from the public and tourists, with measures to preserve the site’s heritage and natural beauty for future generations.

Tourism Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar issued directions during a video conference held to review cleanliness, visitor facilities and environmental conservation measures at Hampi. The initiative is being taken up following instructions from Tourism and Energy Minister K.J. George.

Manohar directed the Hampi Development Authority and Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner to prepare an action plan with active participation from tourists and the public, stressing that maintaining cleanliness at a heritage destination cannot be the responsibility of government agencies alone.

Officials were asked to design awareness programmes to encourage tourists and visitors to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness.

The Hampi Development Authority was also directed to initiate the tender process to appoint a comprehensive agency for overall cleanliness and maintenance. The agency will be responsible for systematic cleaning and upkeep across various areas of the heritage site.

Steps have been ordered to ban the use of plastic within the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) limits, aimed at creating a plastic‑free environment and protecting heritage structures and natural surroundings.

Manohar directed the Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner and HWHAMA Chairman to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of the toilet complex near the Virupaksha Temple, with particular attention to sanitation facilities used by tourists.

The Deputy Commissioner was also asked to submit a proposal for construction of a new toilet complex under the Hampi Nook Project, considering the growing number of visitors and the need to strengthen tourist infrastructure.

Manohar said Hampi was one of Karnataka’s most important heritage destinations and that its cleanliness and environmental protection were of utmost importance.

“We have instructed officials to develop ‘Clean & Green Hampi’ not merely as a government initiative but as a people’s campaign in which tourists and the public actively participate. A comprehensive action plan covering cleanliness, plastic control and infrastructure maintenance will be prepared and implemented,” he said.

Tourism Department Commissioner Shivaprasad P.R., Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Manikere, officials of HWHAMA and the Archaeological Survey of India participated in the meeting through video conference.

–IANS

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