Lok Sabha Question No. 76 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Adopt A Heritage Scheme
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 76

ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## ADOPT A HERITAGE SCHEME

## 76.  SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched the second phase of the Adopt A Heritage scheme and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the list of heritage sites being considered for adoption under this scheme;
- (c) the  list  of  heritage  sites  which  have  been  adopted  till  date,  along  with  the  date  of adoption and the name of the organisation/agency involved; and
- (d) the  list  of  modifications  proposed  by  the  adopting  organisation  /  agency  for  the adopted monuments?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) 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.
- (b) &  (c) 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.
- (d) 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.

## Annexure

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY PART (b & c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 76 FOR 3.2.2025

## LIST OF PROTETED MONUMENTS ADOPTED BY PARTNERING ENTITIES UNDER ADOPT A HERITAGE 2.0 PROGRAM

|   S. No. | MONUMENT/SITE MUSUEM                 | STATE          | PARTNER ENTITY                                       | DATE OF SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING   |
|----------|--------------------------------------|----------------|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Agra Fort, Agra                      | Uttar Pradesh  | Ease My Trip Foundation                              | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        2 | Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi  | Delhi          | Sabhyata Foundation                                  | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        3 | Buddhist Stupa, Kesariya, Champaran  | Bihar          | IDD Trade Council                                    | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        4 | Safdarjung Tomb, Delhi               | Delhi          | Sabhyata Foundation                                  | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        5 | Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho  | Madhya Pradesh | Ease My Trip Foundation                              | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        6 | Kailasanatha temple, Kanchipuram     | Tamil Nadu     | Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        7 | Sun temple, Konark                   | Odisha         | Ease My Trip Foundation                              | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        8 | Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri           | Maharashtra    | Mahesh Enterprises and Infra India Private Limited   | 12.3.2024                                        |
|        9 | Upper Fort Aguada, Goa               | Goa            | Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd                           | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       10 | Purana Qila, Delhi                   | Delhi          | Sabhyata Foundation                                  | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       11 | Qutub Minar, Delhi                   | Delhi          | Ease My Trip Foundation                              | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       12 | Humayun's Tomb, Delhi                | Delhi          | Sabhyata Foundation                                  | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       13 | Jantar Mantar, Delhi                 | Delhi          | Powerlinks Transmission Ltd                          | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       14 | Group of Monuments, Hauz Khas, Delhi | Delhi          | Tata Power Trading Pvt. Ltd                          | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       15 | Ugrasen ki Baoli, Delhi              | Delhi          | Zee Aakash                                           | 12.3.2024                                        |
|       16 | Delhi Gate, Delhi                    | Delhi          | Redtape Ltd                                          | 2.7.2024                                         |
|       17 | Kashmere Gate & Mori Gate, Delhi     | Delhi          | Redtape Ltd                                          | 2.7.2024                                         |
|       18 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka           | Madhya Pradesh | HEG Ltd.                                             | 2.7.2024                                         |
|       19 | Ajmeri Gate, Delhi                   | Delhi          | Redtape Ltd                                          | 27.8.2024                                        |
|       20 | Madarasa Mahmud Gawan, Bidar         | Karnataka      | Shaheen Group of Institutions                        | 27.8.2024                                        |
|       21 | Archaeological Site Museum, Hampi    | Karnataka      | JSW Ltd.                                             | 18.11.2024                                       |