BENGALURU — The Karnataka Upalokayukta has ordered immediate enforcement action against illegal homestays and resorts operating within the Hampi World Heritage Area, citing widespread violations of zoning regulations designed to protect the 14th-century archaeological site. The directive, issued by Justice P.S. Veerappa, follows an investigation that uncovered unauthorized commercial activities in core, buffer, and periphery zones—areas where such development is explicitly prohibited under state and UNESCO guidelines.
The order underscores a long-standing conflict between heritage preservation and commercial expansion in one of India’s most iconic cultural landscapes. With Hampi attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually, the Upalokayukta’s intervention signals a potential turning point in the enforcement of environmental and archaeological protections in the region.
What Happened
On June 10, 2026, the Upalokayukta issued a formal directive to the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage (KSDAMH), the Vijayanagara District Administration, and the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), demanding the identification and removal of illegal structures within the protected zones. The order followed a complaint filed by heritage conservation groups, which alleged that local authorities had failed to curb the proliferation of unregulated hospitality businesses in areas designated as “no-development” under the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Plan (HWHAMP).
Justice Veerappa’s investigation, conducted over a six-month period, found that:
– Commercial resorts and homestays had been constructed in core and buffer zones, where only limited, non-permanent structures are permitted.
– Zoning violations were particularly acute in the Anegundi and Kamalapura areas, where satellite imagery and ground surveys revealed unauthorized expansions.
– Local authorities had issued building permits in violation of the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Act, 2021, which prohibits commercial construction within 100 meters of protected monuments.
– Water extraction and waste disposal by these establishments had damaged the fragile ecosystem, including the Tungabhadra River basin, a critical component of the heritage site’s environmental integrity.
The Upalokayukta’s order mandates:
1. Immediate sealing of illegal structures in core and buffer zones.
2. Demolition of unauthorized constructions where restoration is not feasible.
3. Reassessment of building permits issued since 2020, with revocation of those found to violate zoning laws.
4. Enhanced monitoring by HWHAMA and local police to prevent further encroachment.
Why It Matters
Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its exceptional archaeological and historical significance. The site spans 41.8 square kilometers and contains over 1,600 surviving monuments, including temples, royal enclosures, and waterworks. However, its preservation has been repeatedly threatened by unplanned urbanization, illegal construction, and commercial exploitation.
The Upalokayukta’s directive carries implications beyond Hampi:
– Legal Precedent for Heritage Enforcement: The order sets a benchmark for how state-level oversight bodies can intervene in cases of regulatory failure at heritage sites. Similar disputes have arisen in Khajuraho, Mahabalipuram, and the Western Ghats, where commercial interests often clash with conservation mandates.
– Accountability of Local Authorities: The investigation highlights alleged collusion between local officials and resort developers, raising questions about transparency in permit approvals. The Upalokayukta has recommended disciplinary action against officers found to have facilitated violations.
– Tourism vs. Conservation: Hampi’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, with homestays and resorts generating an estimated ₹500 crore annually. However, unregulated growth has led to water scarcity, soil erosion, and damage to monuments—issues that could deter long-term tourism if left unchecked.
– UNESCO Scrutiny: The World Heritage Committee has previously warned India about inadequate protection measures at Hampi. In 2019, UNESCO placed the site on its “Watch List” due to encroachment and poor waste management. Failure to comply with the Upalokayukta’s order could trigger international censure or even a danger listing, which would harm India’s global cultural standing.
Background and Context
# The Hampi World Heritage Area: Zoning and Regulations
The Hampi World Heritage Area is divided into three zones under the HWHAMP (2016):
1. Core Zone (16.5 sq km): The most protected area, containing monuments, temples, and archaeological ruins. Only non-intrusive activities (e.g., guided tours, research) are permitted.
2. Buffer Zone (25.3 sq km): Surrounds the core zone; limited, low-impact development is allowed, but commercial construction is prohibited.
3. Periphery Zone (100 sq km): A transitional area where regulated development is permitted, but large-scale commercial projects require environmental clearances.
Despite these regulations, illegal construction has surged since 2015, driven by:
– Tourism Boom: Hampi’s visitor numbers doubled between 2015 and 2025, from 750,000 to 1.5 million annually, increasing demand for accommodation.
– Lack of Affordable Housing: Many locals converted residential properties into homestays to capitalize on tourism, often without permits.
– Weak Enforcement: The HWHAMA, established in 2017, has been understaffed and underfunded, with only 12 inspectors to monitor a 41.8 sq km area.
– Political Influence: Several resort owners have alleged ties to local politicians, who allegedly pressured officials to overlook violations.
# Previous Attempts at Regulation
– 2018: The Karnataka High Court ordered the demolition of 32 illegal structures in Hampi, but only 12 were removed due to legal challenges and political interference.
– 2020: The state government announced a “Hampi Heritage Development Plan”, promising stricter zoning enforcement, but implementation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– 2023: A CAG audit found that 68% of homestays in Hampi were operating without valid permits, but no action was taken against local authorities.
What to Watch Next
1. Compliance and Resistance
– Timeline for Action: The Upalokayukta has given authorities 90 days to submit a compliance report. However, legal challenges from resort owners are expected, potentially delaying enforcement.
– Political Pushback: Local MLAs and panchayat leaders have historically opposed demolitions, citing economic hardship for residents. Observers will watch whether state leadership supports the Upalokayukta’s order or seeks to dilute it.
2. UNESCO’s Response
– The World Heritage Committee’s next session (July 2026) will review India’s progress on Hampi. If significant violations persist, the site could face enhanced monitoring or a “danger listing”, which would damage India’s reputation and reduce international funding for conservation.
3. Broader Impact on Heritage Sites
– The case could embolden conservation groups to file similar complaints in other heritage sites, such as:
– Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), where illegal hotels have encroached on protected zones.
– Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), where coastal resorts threaten UNESCO-listed monuments.
– The Western Ghats, where eco-resorts have been accused of violating environmental laws.
4. Economic Fallout
– Tourism Industry Reaction: Homestay owners have threatened protests, arguing that alternative livelihoods are scarce. The state may need to offer rehabilitation schemes for affected families.
– Investor Confidence: The crackdown could deter future investment in Hampi’s hospitality sector, slowing economic growth in the short term.
5. Legal Reforms
– The Upalokayukta’s order may accelerate pending legislation, such as:
– The Karnataka Heritage (Protection and Management) Bill, 2024, which proposes stricter penalties for violations and mandatory heritage impact assessments for new projects.
– Amendments to the Ancient Monuments Act, which could expand the definition of “encroachment” to include unauthorized commercial use.
Conclusion
The Upalokayukta’s directive against illegal homestays and resorts in Hampi is a landmark intervention in India’s struggle to balance heritage conservation with economic development. While the order provides a much-needed legal framework for enforcement, its success will depend on political will, administrative efficiency, and judicial follow-through.
For Hampi—a site that embodies centuries of history and cultural identity—the stakes could not be higher. If authorities fail to act, the consequences will extend beyond Karnataka, undermining India’s commitment to preserving its World Heritage Sites. Conversely, if the crackdown succeeds, it could serve as a model for heritage protection nationwide, ensuring that future generations inherit a Hampi that remains as majestic as the empire it once housed.
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Sources:
– The Hindu – “Upalokayukta directs action against illegal homestays, resorts in Hampi” (National) | [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/upa-lokayukta-directs-action-against-illegal-homestays-resorts-in-hampi/article71313935.ece](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/upa-lokayukta-directs-action-against-illegal-homestays-resorts-in-hampi/article71313935.ece)
– UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Hampi World Heritage Site Documentation | [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241/](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241/)
– Karnataka State Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage – Hampi World Heritage Area Management Plan (2016) | [https://ksdamh.karnataka.gov.in/](https://ksdamh.karnataka.gov.in/)
– Comptroller and Auditor General of India – Report on Preservation of Monuments and Antiquities (2023) | [https://cag.gov.in/](https://cag.gov.in/)
– The Times of India – “Hampi’s illegal homestays: A ticking time bomb” (2025) | [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
