Karnataka plans ‘Clean and Green Hampi’ initiative to enhance visitor experience
K J George; Image credits - Deccan Herald
Through the ‘Clean & Green Hampi’ campaign, the department aims to preserve the heritage character of Hampi while prioritising cleanliness, environmental conservation and an improved visitor experience.
The Karnataka Tourism Department has directed officials to prepare an action plan for the 'Clean and Green Hampi' campaign to improve cleanliness, environmental conservation and visitor facilities at the World Heritage Site.
The directions were issued by Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar on the instructions of Karnataka Tourism and Energy Minister K J George, as per reports. During a video conference held on Thursday to review cleanliness, visitor infrastructure and environmental conservation at Hampi, Manohar directed the Hampi Development Authority and Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S Manikere to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the campaign with the active participation of the public and tourists.
Manohar directed officials to design programmes to create awareness about cleanliness and encourage tourists to actively participate in the campaign. “As directed by the tourism minister, we have instructed officials to develop ‘Clean & Green Hampi’ not merely as a government initiative but as a people’s campaign in which tourists and the public actively participate. A comprehensive action plan covering cleanliness, plastic control and infrastructure maintenance will be prepared and implemented,” he said.
The Hampi Development Authority was directed to initiate the tender process for appointing an agency to undertake the overall cleanliness and maintenance of Hampi, officials said.
“The objective is to ensure systematic cleaning and maintenance across different areas of the heritage site through the selected agency,” the statement said.
Officials were also directed to initiate steps to ban the use of plastic within the limits of the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority. “Creating a plastic-free environment will be an important step towards protecting Hampi’s heritage and natural surroundings,” the statement said.
Manohar directed the Deputy Commissioner and HWHAMA Chairman to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of the toilet complex near the Virupaksha Temple, with special attention to sanitation facilities used by tourists. The deputy commissioner was directed to submit a proposal for constructing a new toilet complex under the Hampi Nook Project, keeping in view the increasing number of visitors and the need to strengthen tourist infrastructure.
Through the ‘Clean & Green Hampi’ campaign, the department aims to preserve the heritage character of Hampi while prioritising cleanliness, environmental conservation and an improved visitor experience.
“The conservation and cleanliness of Hampi, a World Heritage Site, is a key priority for our government. Rather than viewing Hampi merely as a tourist destination, our objective is to preserve its heritage significance while developing it as a clean, green and visitor-friendly destination,” George said.
