Karnataka - Tourism Ministry clears Hampi land acquisition

Special Correspondent
The Hindu, july 13

Proposal to cost Rs. 8.31-crore


Move to make Hampi an important global tourist spot

Intended to provide proper access to the monuments

NEW DELHI: The Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni, on Thursday approved a proposal to acquire 228 acres of private land at Hampi in Karnataka at a cost of Rs. 8.31 crore. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) would acquire the land.

The decision paves the way for implementing the Ministry’s plans to make Hampi an important international tourist destination in keeping with the recognition accorded to it as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Pointing out that the archaeological remains at Hampi were scattered over an area of 26 sq.km and were surrounded by private cultivable land, over which ASI presently had no ownership, a spokesperson of the Ministry said the land acquisition would help in providing proper access to the monuments.

Negotiations

The amount of Rs. 8.31 crore has been arrived at following negotiations by the Karnataka Government with the land owners. The Ministry had already made a part payment of Rs. 1.58 crore, pending the negotiations, he added.