There are 3696 monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which are spread across the nation. These monuments not only showcase India’s rich cultural past, but they also significantly contribute to the country’s economic development. The heritage sites need to regularly improve the amenities in order to preserve their unique cultural history.
On September 4, 2023, in Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, New Delhi, ASI will start the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme in order to achieve this goal and further improve the visitor experience. As part of this scheme, ASI invites corporate stakeholders to use CSR monies to improve the amenities at the monuments.
The programme, which is an updated version of the former scheme introduced in 2017, outlines the facilities required for various monuments in accordance with the AMASR Act of 1958. Through a specialised web portal with the URL www.indianheritage.gov.in, which contains information about the monuments sought for adoption along with a gap analysis and a cost estimate for amenities, the stakeholders can submit an application for adopting a monument or a specific amenity/amenities at a monument.
Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, discussed the significance of cultural legacy in forming our identity. “Our heritage monuments are more than just physical landmarks; they are active reminders of our culture’s history, art, and architecture.
The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0′ campaign aims to promote corporate stakeholders’ cooperation so that they may help preserve these landmarks for future generations, according to the minister. After conducting due research, speaking with various stakeholders, and evaluating the economic and developmental potential of each monument, the selection process will be carried out.
The chosen stakeholders will create, offer, and/or maintain facilities in the categories of hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge. By doing this, they will have the chance to establish a reputation as a trustworthy and heritage-conscious organisation. The original term of the appointment will be for five years, with a possible extension of another five years.
On the same day, a user-friendly smartphone app titled “Indian Heritage” will also be released, showcasing India’s heritage sites. The app will provide state-specific information on monuments, along with images, a list of facilities for the general public, a geo-tagged location, and a method for citizen feedback. Phase I will see the debut of the ticketed monuments, with Phase II seeing the launch of the other monuments.
A website for requesting permission for photography, filmmaking, and development projects on monuments will also be launched. Its URL is www.asipermissionportal.gov.in. The site will expedite the process of getting different permissions while also addressing operational and logistical constraints.
Stay Update with FELA NEWS|
