Karnataka: Major crackdown on illegal resorts in Koppal, Gangavathi

Koppal: A major crackdown was launched on unauthorised resorts in Koppal and Gangavathi taluks, which fall under Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority, Wednesday, following strict directions from DC Suresh B Itnal.Acting on the order, officials carried out coordinated raids in Basapur, Narayanapete, Rajarampete, Shivapur, Ayodhya, Anegondi and Sanapur areas, sparing Virupapur Gaddi, the hub of illegal resorts and unlawful activities.Joint teams of Gescom, revenue, panchayat raj and excise officials inspected resorts suspected of operating without valid permissions. They found several establishments running illegally, without approvals from the concerned departments and without converting agricultural land for commercial use.Officials immediately locked the violating resorts. Gescom staff disconnected the power supply and removed meters, while panchayat authorities cut water connections. Revenue officials sealed the premises.Of the more than 150 resorts that have come up in Basapur village, 98 were found unauthorised. In Gangavathi taluk, 40 of 50 resorts were operating illegally.Raids in Gangavathi were led by tahsildar Vishwanath Muradi, while taluk panchayat executive officer Ramareddy Patil headed operations in Anegondi panchayat limits. Authorities confirmed that 40 resorts across Anegondi, Sanapur, Mallapur and Sangapur panchayat areas were locked, and others were issued notices as per the DC's order."Among those sealed were 10 resorts in Anegondi, five in Hanumanahalli, three in Anjanahalli, 10 in Sangapur and 12 in other villages, including Chikkarampur and Mallapur," TP EO Ramareddy Patil said.Officials said inspections and strict enforcement will continue across the district.