SOURCE :- SIASAT NEWS
Vijayanagara: A UNESCO World Heritage Centre expert team began a review of conservation measures at Hampi on Saturday, October 24, holding discussions with officials from multiple departments responsible for protecting and managing the historic site.
The delegation, headed by George Abung from Kenya and Ichida Shimoda from Japan, interacted with senior officials from Vijayanagara and Koppal districts, the Archaeological Survey of India, the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority, the Tourism Department and the State Department of Archaeology.
During the meeting, officials presented details of the initiatives undertaken to safeguard Hampi’s monuments and manage the surrounding heritage area. An official who participated in the discussions said the experts appreciated the work of the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority. The delegation reportedly observed that similar management arrangements could be considered for other heritage sites.
The meeting took place at Evolve Back Resort in Kamalapura. Media representatives were not allowed to attend, and the district administration did not release an official statement explaining the discussions.
The delegation’s inspection programme includes several prominent monuments and heritage locations. On Sunday, the experts are scheduled to visit the ASI Museum in Kamalapura, Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple and the Vijaya Vittala Temple. They will then proceed to Anjanadri and Gagan Mahal in Anegundi, located in Gangavathi taluk. A meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism sector is planned at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Hosapete at 5.30 pm.
The programme will continue on October 26 with visits to the Virupaksha Temple, Krishna Temple and Kamal Mahal area. Discussions on Hampi’s master plan and integrated management plans will follow at Evolve Back Resort. Further consultations are scheduled for October 27, before the team leaves for Bengaluru.
On October 28, the delegation is expected to hold discussions with the Chief Secretary of the state government, ASI officials and UNESCO representatives.
The review carries considerable importance because the experts will examine the conservation status and heritage value of Hampi before submitting a report to UNESCO. The findings will be relevant to the site’s continued status on the World Heritage List and the possibility of its inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The outcome will depend on the assessment and the subsequent decisions taken by UNESCO. The detailed findings of the expert team have not yet been made public.
SOURCE : SIASAT
