Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s announcement to provide additional resources for developing infrastructure facilities at Hampi, a World Heritage Site, has been widely welcomed.
In 2014, 5.5 lakh people — including 47,000 foreign tourists — visited Hampi. The number is higher if you consider those who have not purchased tickets.
The erstwhile seat of the Vijayangar empire not only attracts history enthusiasts, but also draws pilgrims and those interested in archaeology. Spread over a vast area, people of all age groups come to Hampi to enjoy the natural landscape. The heritage site is also popularly known as ‘Pampa Kshetra’ and ‘Kashi of the South’.
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However, the existing infrastructure here is very minimal. The facilities have to be provided in a systematic way, for which an action plan had to be prepared by the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority.
Anand Singh, Vijayanagar MLA and former Tourism Minister, told The Hindu , “Even with minimal facilities, tourists from across the globe throng Hampi. If infrastructure facilities and visitors’ amenities are improved, the tourist inflow will double. At least now, the authorities concerned should draw up suitable plans, making use of the additional resources, to improve the facilities at Hampi by introducing mobile cyber cafes, eateries, toilets and the like,” he said.