Illegal resorts demolished near Hampi

Ballari: The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) began demolishing illegal resorts and businesses in Virupapura Gadde, a small hillock around the Tungabhadra river, popular among backpackers visiting the 15th century capital of Vijayanagar kings.

Armed with a Karnataka High Court order, Mr Avinash Rajendra Menon, commissioner, HWHAMA led the demolition drive after the petition by the resorts, seeking a stay was rejected by the Karnataka HC on April 30.

HWHAMA Act 2002 restricts any development in the core zone. The hotels were not only in the core zone, but also inside Virupapura Gadde reserve forest.