UNESCO Team Urges Greater Local Role in Preserving Hampi Heritage Site

A UNESCO expert committee that visited the World Heritage Site of Hampi presented preliminary observations to senior Karnataka Tourism Department officials during a meeting at Vidhana Soudha on October 28, four days after their site visit.

According to officials, the experts flagged several areas needing continued attention, including deeper involvement of local communities, strengthening the capacity of the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority, ensuring administrative continuity, and carrying out systematic Heritage Impact Assessments for future projects.

A full report from the committee is expected by mid-December.

Committee member George Abungu of Kenya called Hampi an exceptionally important heritage site and said he was satisfied with the physical state of the monuments and the conservation work carried out so far. He described the visiting delegation as partners rather than inspectors, working alongside state and national authorities to identify strengths and challenges. He also emphasized that Hampi remains a living community, and that local residents must play an active role in conservation while also sharing in the benefits of tourism and heritage development.

Fellow expert Ichida Shimoda of Japan recommended that the heritage management authority be strengthened with specialized staff and sufficient financial resources.

Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Uma Mahadevan, who attended the meeting, said Hampi's Outstanding Universal Value must be preserved without compromise, adding that conservation efforts need to include local communities alongside strong institutions, expert-led planning, and continuity in administration.