ASI nod for rehabilitation of Hampi encroachers

MYSORE: The rehabilitation of thousands of poor people who were evicted from Hampi Bazaar in Hospet taluk, is finally taking concrete shape and the officials are waiting for the approval from Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and directorate of  Archaeology and Museums, Mysore.A 15.8 acre site has been sanctioned at Malapanagudi village in Hospet taluk for rehabilitating the families who were evicted on charges of encroachment. Following the proposal submitted by the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), the  Department of Town and Country Planning has sought an NOC from ASI to  finalise the plan. In a letter written to the ASI and Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Department of Town and Country Planning director H B Mukunda said land was sanctioned to rehabilitate 314 families. HWHAMA had asked the department to prepare a plan for rehabilitation urgently, he added.He said, “We need an NOC from ASI and Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. This apart, the blueprint of the proposed land, number of beneficiaries and copy of the resolution taken for rehabilitation, are also needed to finalise the plan.”Sources told Express that the ASI and directorate of Archaeology and Museums will inspect the spot to make sure the proposed project is not coming up on a historical place before giving NOC.UNESCO offers technical supportMeanwhile, UNESCO has offered technical assistance for the revision of the master plan and finalisation of the Integrated Management Plan for Hampi world heritage property and for developing the technical capacity of HWHAMA.UNESCO, consisting of the programme specialist for culture, Paul Trouilloud, will visit Bangalore and will hold a meeting with the stake holders on matters concerning Hampi world heritage property.Accordingly, the principal secretary, Department of Tourism would convene a meeting on November 28 at Vidhana Soudha, sources in the ASI told Express.Measures being taken by both the ASI and the directorate of Archaeology and Museums to address the issues, including demolition of encroachments would be discussed.According to the copy of the agenda available with Express, the current status of technical expertise within HWHAMA and status of the development of an interpretation centre at Hampi world heritage property would also be taken up for discussion.