Adopt A Heritage 2.0

The “Adopt A Heritage” program, initiated by the Ministry of Tourism in September 2017, has undergone a significant transformation. In September 2023, the Ministry of Culture launched “Adopt A Heritage 2.0.” This revamped initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience at protected monuments across India. By collaborating with private and public sector organizations, NGOs, and trusts, the program seeks to develop essential amenities that make these historical sites more visitor-friendly.
Objectives of Adopt A Heritage 2.0
The primary goal of the “Adopt A Heritage 2.0” program is to create a framework for collaboration between various stakeholders. This includes private companies, NGOs, and trusts that can contribute through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The program categorizes the amenities into four main areas: Hygiene, Accessibility, Safety, and Knowledge.
Hygiene amenities encompass essential facilities like toilets, drinking water, waste management, and baby care rooms. Accessibility focuses on creating pathways, ensuring barrier-free access, providing battery-operated vehicles, and improving signage and landscaping. Safety measures include installing CCTV cameras, enhancing lighting, and providing first aid kits. Lastly, the Knowledge category aims to enrich the visitor experience through publications, souvenir kiosks, cultural shows, and modern technologies like AR/VR tools.
By addressing these areas, the program aims to make historical sites more appealing and accessible to a broader audience. It encourages a sense of responsibility among citizens and organizations to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage.
Scope and Implementation
The “Adopt A Heritage 2.0” program is open to all protected monuments in India. To date, 21 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and various partnering entities across different states. This collaboration is crucial for implementing the program’s objectives effectively.
However, it is essential to note that adopting organizations are not allowed to modify the structures of the monuments. Their role is strictly limited to enhancing visitor amenities with the approval of the ASI. This ensures that the historical integrity of the monuments is preserved while improving the overall visitor experience.
The program’s implementation involves careful planning and execution. Partnering entities must adhere to guidelines set by the ASI to ensure that any developments align with the cultural significance of the monuments. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders, encouraging them to contribute positively to the preservation of India’s heritage.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
The launch of “Adopt A Heritage 2.0” marks a significant step forward in the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the program’s importance in a recent Lok Sabha session. The initiative not only aims to enhance visitor experiences but also seeks to engage the community in heritage conservation.
Looking ahead, the program has the potential to expand its reach and impact. With more organizations and individuals becoming aware of the importance of heritage conservation, the program can attract additional partners. This could lead to more monuments being adopted and improved, further enriching the cultural landscape of India.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editorโs Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.