The Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan initiative is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), launched in 2017. It seeks to promote the preservation and sustainable development of India’s cultural and historical monuments and sites.
Key Objectives
- Heritage Preservation:
- Encourage private and public sector entities to adopt heritage sites and contribute to their conservation and maintenance.
- Tourism Promotion:
- Develop and promote heritage sites as world-class tourist destinations.
- Visitor Amenities:
- Enhance the visitor experience by providing high-quality facilities such as cleanliness, accessibility, safety, and advanced amenities like signage, Wi-Fi, and audio-visual guides.
- Public-Private Partnership:
- Foster a partnership between government agencies and corporate entities, non-profit organizations, and individuals under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
How It Works
- Adoption Process:
- Entities known as ‘Monument Mitras’ (Friends of Monuments) can adopt a heritage site and take responsibility for its development, operation, and maintenance.
- Responsibilities of Monument Mitras:
- Develop basic and advanced amenities.
- Maintain the site and ensure cleanliness.
- Create a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
- Market and promote the site through innovative strategies.
- MoU Signing:
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the selected Monument Mitra and the government.
Focus Areas
- Provision of basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, pathways, parking, and seating arrangements.
- Advanced facilities like interpretation centers, illumination, and security measures.
- Promotion of local culture, art, and cuisine to enhance tourist experiences.
Significant Sites Under the Scheme
Some iconic heritage sites adopted under the initiative include:
- Red Fort, Delhi – Adopted by Dalmia Bharat Group.
- Qutub Minar, Delhi – Adopted by Yatra Online.
- Taj Mahal, Agra – Enhanced under the broader vision of this program.
- Konark Sun Temple, Odisha – Adopted by NALCO.
Advantages
- Cultural Preservation:
- Ensures the upkeep and protection of India’s rich heritage.
- Tourism Boost:
- Attracts both domestic and international tourists, boosting local economies.
- Employment Opportunities:
- Generates jobs in hospitality, maintenance, and tourism-related activities.
- Public Engagement:
- Encourages community participation in heritage conservation.
- Reduction of Government Burden:
- Private sector involvement reduces the financial and operational load on government agencies.
Criticism
- Privatization Concerns:
- Critics argue that involving private entities could lead to commercialization of heritage sites.
- Uneven Focus:
- Prominent sites often receive more attention, leaving lesser-known sites neglected.
- Accountability:
- Ensuring Monument Mitras fulfill their responsibilities effectively can be challenging.
Way Forward
The Adopt a Heritage initiative has the potential to transform India’s heritage landscape by combining conservation with tourism. However, balancing public interest, cultural sensitivity, and private sector involvement is essential for its long-term success.
