Date : 07/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 1 – Indian Heritage Sites

Keywords – Adopt a Heritage Scheme, ASI, PPP, Indian Heritage App

Context –

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program with the aim of enlisting support for the improved preservation and revitalization of India's abundant cultural heritage. This initiative aligns with the 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' vision.

As part of this endeavor, ASI has introduced a user-friendly mobile application named 'Indian Heritage,' and concurrently launched an electronic permission portal to streamline the process.

Understanding the Adopt a Heritage Scheme

Overview:

The Adopt a Heritage Scheme is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and various State/Union Territory governments. Launched on September 27, 2017, by the President of India, this program seeks to achieve several crucial objectives.

Objectives:

1. Promoting Responsible Tourism: The central aim of this project is to facilitate the development of synergy among all stakeholders, thereby promoting responsible tourism practices.
2. Engaging Various Sectors: The scheme aims to engage both public and private sector companies, as well as corporate citizens and individuals, in the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability of India's rich heritage and tourism offerings.
3. Enhancing Infrastructure: It focuses on enhancing and maintaining world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at key locations, including ASI-protected heritage sites and other significant tourist destinations across India.

Monument Mitras:

Under this scheme, agencies or companies willing to participate become 'Monument Mitras' through a unique approach known as 'Vision Bidding.' In this process, the agency presenting the most compelling vision for the heritage site is granted the opportunity to associate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities with the preservation and enhancement of these historical treasures.

Rationale for 'Adopt a Heritage':

The scheme arises from common challenges faced by heritage sites, primarily related to the operation and maintenance of infrastructure and services. It seeks to establish a robust mechanism for the immediate provision of basic amenities and the implementation of long-term, advanced amenities to address these challenges effectively.

Advantages of the Adopt a Heritage Scheme

The Adopt a Heritage Scheme offers a multitude of advantages:

1. Preservation: This initiative plays a crucial role in safeguarding and conserving heritage sites and monuments, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
2. Infrastructure Development: By facilitating the creation of essential infrastructure and amenities at these sites, the scheme enhances the overall visitor experience and accessibility.
3. Tourism Promotion: The transformation of heritage sites into tourist-friendly destinations promotes tourism, attracting both domestic and international travelers.
4. Cultural Promotion: Through the scheme, the cultural significance and heritage value of these sites are prominently showcased, contributing to the promotion and awareness of India's rich cultural heritage.
5. Public-Private Partnership: The scheme fosters collaboration among the government, private sector, and local communities, ensuring sustainable development and maintenance of heritage sites.
6. Economic Opportunities: By generating employment and economic prospects within the tourism sector, the scheme benefits local communities and bolsters the overall economy.
7. Responsible Tourism: Emphasizing responsible tourism practices, the scheme underscores the importance of preserving and respecting heritage while ensuring a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Challenges –

• The implementation of the Adopt a Heritage Scheme is accompanied by several challenges, including the need for a fair and transparent selection process for Monument Mitras.
• Additionally, there is a requirement to ensure that conservation activities are exclusively conducted by qualified professionals. Balancing the beautification and conservation efforts with the preservation of the monuments' ethical values is another challenge.
• Furthermore, monitoring the progress of various development initiatives undertaken by the adopters is essential for the scheme's effective execution.

Introducing Adopt a Heritage 2.0, the Indian Heritage App and ‘e-Permission Portal

The Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Program represents a reinvigorated version of the original scheme, known as the Adopt a Heritage Scheme, which made its debut in 2017. This revamped initiative now offers a precise delineation of the facilities and amenities required for various monuments, aligning with the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) of 1958.

Key Features of the Program:

1. Streamlined Monument Adoption Process: Stakeholders interested in participating can now apply to adopt an entire monument or specific amenities at a monument. The application process is facilitated through a dedicated web portal, which provides comprehensive information about the monuments available for adoption.
2. Corporate Collaboration: The Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program is designed to foster partnerships with corporate entities, enabling them to actively contribute to the preservation and upkeep of these invaluable monuments, ensuring they endure for future generations to appreciate.
3. Term of Appointment: Those selected to adopt a monument or its amenities will initially be entrusted with a five-year term. This appointment can potentially be extended for an additional five years, further reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding India's cultural heritage.

The Indian Heritage App is designed to serve as a platform for showcasing India's diverse heritage monuments. Users can access information about these monuments, including state-wise details, photographs, available public amenities, geo-tagged locations, and a feedback system for citizen engagement.

On the other hand, the e-Permission Portal serves as an online platform for obtaining permissions related to activities such as photography, filming, and development projects at heritage monuments. This portal aims to expedite the permission application process, addressing operational and logistical challenges that may arise.

Together, the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program, the Indian Heritage App, and the e-Permission Portal represent a concerted effort to safeguard and promote India's cultural heritage in a collaborative and technology-enhanced manner.

Other Related Schemes

The Ministry of Tourism in the Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at preserving and showcasing the nation's tourist destinations. These endeavors are designed to position India as the top choice for both domestic and international tourists. Here are some of the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism:

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme
• PRASHAD Scheme
• Utsav Portal
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
• Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme

Conclusion –

In conclusion, the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program, along with the Indian Heritage App and e-Permission Portal, marks a significant step towards preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage. This collaborative and technology-driven approach not only safeguards our rich history but also propels India's image on the global stage.

By addressing challenges transparently and promoting responsible tourism, these initiatives set the stage for a brighter future, fostering economic growth, cultural awareness, and sustainable development. As India's cultural treasures are showcased to the world, the country's tourism industry is poised to recover and thrive in the post-pandemic era, contributing to the nation's prosperity.

Source – PIB