India, Aug. 8 -- The Karnataka Upa Lokayukta has initiated suo motu proceedings against 54 officials over alleged failures to prevent unauthorised homestays and other commercial activity in the protected areas of Hampi. This comes after an inspection found hundreds of tourism establishments operating without the required approvals.

Justice B. Veerappa took cognisance of the matter following complaints about commercial activity in Hampi's Core, Buffer and Peripheral zones. During an inspection on July 25, officials told him that at least 250 homestays were operating without mandatory permissions or licences from the Gram Panchayats or the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA).

The proceedings cover officials associated ...