Bangalore:
The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) to ensure that no residential occupation was permitted within the protected area of the World Heritage Site on pleas questioning relocation at the spot.
Public Interest Litigations (PILs) had been filed opposing the relocation at Kaddirampura as per the state government plan. Petitioners had alleged that the land given to them was on a burial ground.
Hearing the petition, a Division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice BV Nagarathna sought to know from ASI, the steps they had taken in this connection.
ASI submitted they the claim by petitioners that they are legal occupants cannot be considered unless they have authorisation of Director General (ASI). Commissioner for Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) submitted that it had cleared the shops in front of the "mantaps" and was providing alternative sites.
The court observed that alternate sites at Kaddirampura providing for 314 families had already been earmarked, and was available. It also said that according to authorities, there was a plan to develop an area for development of shopping area.
Justice BV Nagarathna observed it was not just a monument that court was concerned about, "it is an archeological site."
The bench observed "till now we tried to protect your interest but not a single person has moved. This is a national heritage and within its purview, you (shopping businessmen) cannot be allowed.We will dispose the petition directing authorities to act as per law. Then they will throw you out, overnight".
The court also directed authorities concerned to file status as well as action taken report within three weeks.