UNESCO experts praise Hampi's monuments but want local communities and the heritage authority strengthened
A detailed UNESCO report on the Vijayanagara capital is expected by mid-December.
- The Hindu
A UNESCO expert committee that visited the Hampi World Heritage Site has shared its preliminary observations with senior Karnataka Tourism Department officials at the Vidhana Soudha on October 28, four days after its visit, The Hindu reported. According to officials, the experts identified areas needing continued attention, including stronger participation of local communities and greater institutional capacity for the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA).
They also flagged continuity in heritage administration and systematic Heritage Impact Assessments for future development projects. UNESCO expert George Abungu of Kenya described Hampi as an exceptionally significant site and expressed satisfaction with the physical condition of the monuments and conservation work.
"The delegation had come as friends and partners not as investigators," he said, adding that the aim was to work with State and national authorities on strengths, challenges and the way forward. Calling Hampi a living community, Prof. Abungu said local people must be active participants in conservation and must also benefit from tourism and heritage development.
Ichita Shimoda of Japan, from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), recommended giving HWHAMA specialised staff and adequate funds. Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Uma Mahadevan said Hampi's Outstanding Universal Value "must be protected without compromise", while conservation must include the local community.
During the visit the delegation toured monuments in Hampi and also went to Anjanadri and Anegundi, Deccan Herald reported earlier. A detailed report from the committee is expected by mid-December.
Key data
Preliminary findings shared 28 Oct 2026; four-day site visit; detailed report expected by mid-December; two experts named: George Abungu (UNESCO) and Ichita Shimoda (ICOMOS).
Why it matters
Hampi is still a living pilgrimage centre around the Virūpākṣa temple, and a UNESCO push for community-led conservation could shape how temple towns balance worship, tourism and building. The final report will guide future development there.
GK: did you know?
The Group of Monuments at Hampi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 and was on the List of World Heritage in Danger from 1999 to 2006.
