Initiate strict action against unauthorized families in Hampi: Upalokayukta

Upalokayukta B. Veerappa during his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in the Vijayanagara district on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Karnataka Upalokayukta B. Veerappa on Saturday directed officials to initiate strict action against unauthorized families operating in and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, noting that illegal business activities cannot be allowed in the protected heritage zone.

During a surprise inspection of Hampi, Mr. Veerappa took the officials to task after learning that more than 200 families in the family were allegedly operating without required permits or licenses from the gram panchayat and other relevant authorities.

Asked how such a large number of unauthorized facilities were allowed to operate, he sought an explanation from the officials concerned and asked why they were not fulfilling their legal obligations. Mr. Veerappa expressed grave concern over the electricity connections that were provided to families who were allegedly illegally operating agricultural or residential land for commercial purposes and directed Gescom officials to report to the spot immediately.

He directed the panchayat and taluk level authorities to conduct a joint inspection and initiate legal action against all unauthorized families, including their removal whenever necessary. “Hampi is a world-renowned monument and no illegal or unauthorized activities should be allowed here. There is no objection to legitimate business conducted after obtaining all legal clearances, but violations of the law will be dealt with vigorously,” he said.

The Upalokayukta also directed the officials to initiate suo motu proceedings against the authorities responsible for allowing the operation of unauthorized facilities. Later, Mr. Veerappa inspected Janata Street in Hampi, where he found commercial activities and housing in a 100-meter restricted zone around the protected monument. He directed the officials to identify an alternative location for traders and other business establishments so that all business activities can be shifted out of the restricted area.

He further directed the authorities to ensure that only genuine traders who currently operate in Janata Street are accommodated in the new trading location and suggested the establishment of a special transport service to facilitate tourists’ access to the relocated market.

He visited the historic Virupaksha Temple and viewed the facilities available to devotees. During the inspection,

Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri informed him that permission had been obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India to install an air-conditioning system in the shrine area to improve ventilation and that the work would begin soon.

Lokayukta Deputy Secretary Aravind, Lokayukta Police Inspector Vasudevaram, Police Inspector S. Jahnavi, Additional Deputy Commissioner E. Balakrishna, Sub-Divisional Officer Vivekananda and other officials were present during the inspection.

Published – 25 July 2026 23:30 IST