Karnataka Upalokayukta B. Veerappa on Saturday directed officials to initiate stringent action against unauthorised homestays operating in and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, observing that illegal commercial activities could not be permitted in a protected heritage zone.

During a surprise inspection of Hampi, Mr. Veerappa took officials to task after learning that more than 200 homestays were allegedly functioning without required permissions or licences from the gram panchayat and other competent authorities.

Questioning how such a large number of unauthorised establishments had been allowed to operate, he sought explanations from the officials concerned and asked why they had failed to discharge their statutory responsibilities. Expressing serious concern over electricity connections having been provided to homestays allegedly operating illegally on agricultural or residential land for commercial purposes, Mr. Veerappa directed the Gescom officials to report to the spot immediately.

He instructed panchayat and taluk-level authorities to conduct a joint inspection and initiate legal action against all unauthorised homestays, including their removal wherever necessary. “Hampi is a world-renowned heritage site and no illegal or unauthorised activity should be allowed here. There is no objection to lawful business carried out after obtaining all statutory permissions, but violations of the law will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

The Upalokayukta also directed officials to initiate suo motu proceedings against the authorities responsible for permitting the unauthorised establishments to function. Later, Mr. Veerappa inspected Janata Street in Hampi, where he found commercial activities and habitation within the 100-metre prohibited zone around the protected monument. He instructed officials to identify an alternative site for traders and other commercial establishments so that all business activities could be shifted outside the prohibited area.

He further directed the authorities to ensure that only genuine traders currently operating in the Janata Street were accommodated at the new commercial location and suggested arranging a dedicated transport service to facilitate tourists’ access to the relocated market.

He visited the historic Virupaksha Temple and reviewed 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 sanctum area to improve ventilation and that the work would be taken up shortly.

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