Hampi is the site of many Hindu temples and is a beautiful
spot set amongst hot rocks in a valley that makes you sigh with perspiration. It
is here and now that the government has issued a 7 day notice to the residents
of Hampi Bizaar closest to the famed Virupaksha Temple to vacate their
premises. They have offered land some 6km from the township to the villagers on
a rock with no running water or fertile land, away from the river that runs
alongside Hampi and its famed temples.
Its biblical to build on a rock but the proposal to relocate
these folks away from the river they currently frolic in doing their daily
chores and enjoy relaxing beside seems baffling. If you are going to displace
people (rehousing is not an option they are literally told they can move to the
rock or make their own arrangements), shouldn’t you offer an equal alternative.
Somewhere sewage systems can be made, electricity implemented to all homes, oh
and how about some of that precious resource WATER. (I have downed 4litres a
day since being here in the stifling heat so this is no truck in option!). Why make
it more difficult for the everyday people who live in relative poverty already who
now have to start again because of some decision from a group of folk in the
capital. They have broad smiles and strong wills which would make you think
otherwise but life is simple here and that is the charm of this community.
It seems against everything UNESCO should be working
towards. I thought they were about the preservation of united nations
environments not the complete disregard for human rights. I appreciate the need
to preserve the temples, the relocation, all accept to be inevitable but if it
is to be done, do it once and do it with respect and compassion for those who
have to start again.
The people of Hampi have found an alternative piece of land
to construct their village and with the support of the international community
and pressure on the UNESCO committee this could become the more collectively
acceptable answer to the relocation of the ‘New Hampi’. Please take the time to
sign and share the petition to fight for the community’s relocation to fertile land and
their future.
As the great Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change in the world
you want to see”
For all those planning a trip to India in the coming year/s
keep abreast of the news of Hampi (LP will be very outdated in a year!) and
where you can stay as all the lodgings will be relocated along with the locals.
The new town will be where the heart and soul of the temples will be, not in
their towering conical stone works of carefully carved gods and amongst the
greedy monkeys. Make sure you support the people and visit the new town.
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