Vijayanagara district superintendent of police S. Jahnavi led an inspection drive on Monday to verify whether homestays operating in and around Hampi have complied with mandatory registration rules issued by the tourism department.
Background of the Registration Mandate
The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) recently made it compulsory for homestays operating in Hampi, Kamalapur and other parts of the district to register with the tourism department. Following the directive, teams led by SP Jahnavi carried out inspections at homestays, lodges and guest houses in the Hampi and Kamalapur areas.
Details of the Inspection Drive
Along with the SP, HWHAMA commissioner Ramesh Vatagal, tahsildar Shruti MM, joint director of tourism Tippeswamy, tourism department in-charge deputy director D Nagaraj, Hampi circle inspector of police Rajesh, PSI Subramanya and other officials visited five homestays near the Hampi gram panchayat and directed owners to obtain mandatory registration to continue operations.
Officials left the premises after the owners assured them that they would complete the registration process. The owners of the five homestays were also warned not to reopen their establishments until registration was completed.
Current Registration Status
According to the tourism department, Vijayanagara district currently has only one registered homestay in Hosapete, while nearly 132 homestays operating in and around Hampi are yet to complete the registration process. The latest drive comes months after authorities carried out raids on illegal resorts in Koppal and Gangavathi taluks in February.
The inspection drive underscores the authorities' commitment to ensuring that all homestay operators adhere to the mandatory registration rules, thereby promoting regulated tourism in the heritage area. The tourism department has indicated that further inspections will be conducted in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance.
