More sites to be included under adopt a heritage

It was just days back that one of the major cement companies in India, Dalmia Cements, adopting the Red Fort under the Adopt a Heritage project. Though it has created some sparks across the country, the ministry is going ahead with its plans to continue the project to the selected 95 heritage site. Minister for Tourism K J Alphons said the centre has plans to add more sites under the project. However, the minister ensured that it will be done only in consultation with the  public.

Sites like beaches and parks beyond the 95 envisaged by the ministry will find there place in the list. The minister also said the government has no plans to make any changes to the current bidding terms and conditions. Alphons also said that “the parliament committee under Derek O’Brien had said this is a good idea and that we should go ahead with this.”

“This is all about citizens of India owning up India. We want that sense of ownership in people,” he added. The other adopted monuments include Purana Qila (NBCC), Jantar Mantar ( SBI Foundation), Qutub Minar (Yatra.com), and Safdarjung Tomb (Travel Corporation of India) besides monuments in other destinations like Sun Temple, Konark (TK International), Red Fort Agra (GMR Sports) Aguada Fort and Light House, Panjim, Goa (Drishti Lifesaving) and Gangotri Temple area and trail to Gaumukh (Adventure Tour Operator Association of India).

Monument mitras are picked through a ‘vision bidding’ process in which those with the best plan for the heritage sites are chosen. The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, toilets, drinking water, ease of access for differently-abled and senior citizens, standardised signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance systems, night viewing facilities, tourism facilitation centres and an enhanced tourism experience.