HUBBALLI: Tourists in Hampi are being ‘harassed’ by security guards for taking photographs. The security men, home guards and attenders at the monuments are stopping tourists from taking pictures with cameras though the Archelogical Survey of India (ASI) has not put any such restrictions.
It’s said that the guards have misinterpreted a recent order by Delhi ASI office, which revoked permission to photograph inside the museums maintained by the ASI.
But, the security guards at Hampi claim that the new order bans all kinds of photography, expect capturing pictures with mobile phones. They stop visitors from even carrying their camera bags.
“We asked the security guards to show the orders, but they refused to do so. They asked us to go to the ASI office, but there was nobody, expect an attender. The Tourism Department and the ASI must clarify why the photographers are being harassed. When I told the attenders that I am ready to pay for photography, they had no provision and asked us to take prior permission,” said an angry tourist.
Pompaiah Malemath, a photographer from Hosapete, said the ASI’s new notification has no mention about ban on photography. “In the last one week, several photographers have been stopped from taking their equipment without any valid reason. We are trying to make Hampi a tourist-friendly destination. But, the security personnel are doing just the opposite,” he said.
The ASI heads in Bengaluru clarified that there has been no change in photography rules, except for selfie sticks which have been banned inside the museums. A senior official from ASI said in case the photographers are harassed, they can lodge complaints on ASI website (asi.nic.in). The ground officials in Hampi will soon be directed to clear the confusion.
“The ASI is striving to ensure that the visitors return happily after visiting the museums and historical monuments. There must be some confusion about the new notification. I will ask the Hampi officials to take up an awareness drive to ensure that visitors are not harassed,” the official said.
The tourists say: “The ASI or the Hampi Area Management Authority must open a counter where photography permission can be taken on the spot. One has to apply before 15 days for taking photographs with flash and stands. Every visitor wants to capture heritage. More and more people are using cameras as they are easily available in markets. The authorities must make changes in rules accordingly.”
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