The “Adopt A Heritage” programme was first launched by the Ministry of Tourism in September 2017. A revamped version titled “Adopt A Heritage 2.0” was launched by the Ministry of Culture in September 2023. The program seeks to provide a framework for collaboration with private and public sector companies/NGOs/trusts/societies, etc. to develop/provide amenities in Protected Monuments through their CSR funds to enhance the visitors’ experience and make the adopted monument visitor-friendly. The amenities are categorized into four broad categories: Hygiene, including toilets, drinking water, waste management, baby care rooms, etc.; Accessibility, including pathways, barrier-free access, battery operated vehicles, signage, landscaping, Wi-Fi facility, parking, etc.; Safety, including CCTV, lighting, illumination, cloakrooms, first aid kits, etc.; and Knowledge, including publications, souvenir kiosks, cultural/light and sound shows, AR/VR tools, cafeteria, etc.
The program is open for all protected monuments. Under this program, 21 MoUs have been executed between Archaeological Survey of India and partnering entities so far across various states. Details of the monuments adopted so far are attached in Annexure.
The adopting organisation/agency is not permitted to carry out any modification in the structure of the adopted monuments. They are only permitted to develop/provide defined amenities for visitors with the approval of the Archaeological Survey of India to enhance the visiting experience.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.