The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has raised alarm bells concerning the preservation of two acclaimed heritage sites in India, namely Hampi and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The committee has expressed disappointment over the failure of local authorities in addressing their concerns related to the development projects taking place at these heritage sites. The WHC has also voiced frustration over the lack of information received between 2017 and 2019 from the Indian Railways. This pertains to poor monitoring, general maintenance, and encroachment and waste dumping along the tracks – actions which violate global heritage conservation norms.
A Closer Look at Hampi
Hampi primarily consists of the remnants of the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th Cent CE), the last prominent Hindu Kingdom. It spans an area of 4187.24 hectares, situated in the Tungabhadra basin in Central Karnataka, Bellary District. An extraordinary setting, Hampi is surrounded by the river Tungabhadra, rugged hill ranges, and open plains, all of which are adorned with significant physical relics.
Evident across Hampi are complex urban, royal, and sacred systems, with over 1600 surviving structures that include forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, Mandapas, and more.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
As part of Mountain Railways of India, a recognized world heritage site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in North East India’s West Bengal. Along with the Nilgiri Mountain Railways based in the Nilgiri Hills of South India’s Tamil Nadu and the Kalka Shimla Railway found in the Himalayan foothills of North West India’s Himachal Pradesh, they make up India’s mountain railways.
The DHR stands out as an exceptional example of a hill passenger railway. Launched in 1881, it employs innovative and daring engineering solutions to overcome the challenges of establishing an efficient rail link across a strikingly beautiful, mountainous terrain.
| Heritage Site | Location | Year of Inauguration |
|---|---|---|
| Hampi | Central Karnataka, Bellary District | 14th-16th Cent CE |
| Darjeeling Himalayan Railway | West Bengal, Northeast India | 1881 |
About the World Heritage Committee (WHC)
The WHC comprises representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention who convene annually. The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international accord ratified by UNESCO’s General Conference in 1972.
This convention operates on the idea that certain locations across the world hold exceptional universal significance, making them part of humankind’s shared heritage. It essentially outlines the types of natural or cultural sites that could be considered for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The responsibility for the Convention’s implementation lies with the Committee.