Question : Adopt a Heritage Site Scheme

(a) whether the Government has launched Adopt a Heritage Site Scheme to involve private players and corporate companies in conservation and development of important heritage sites of the country and also issued letters of intent to the companies shortlisted for the purpose;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the monuments/heritage sites identified and adopted by companies so far, monument-wise and company-wise;
(c) the criteria for choosing organizations under the said scheme along with the various functions of the adopting organization thereunder;
(d) whether the Government proposes to broaden the scope of this scheme by involving some lesser known sites along with the important heritage sites; and
(e) if so, the details thereof along with the details of such lesser known sites identified in this regard, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K. J. ALPHONS)

(a): Yes, Madam. ‘Adopt a Heritage’ aims to encourage industry and other stakeholders to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through conservation and development of our cultural and natural heritage sites.

(b): So far, the letter of intent have been issued to seven agencies for Fourteen ASI Monuments/Natural heritage sites. Details are given at Annexure–I.


(c): The Project envisages involvement of Private/Public Companies/Organizations and Individuals to adopt Monuments, Natural Heritage Sites and other Tourist Sites in the country for development of tourist amenities.

Selection of Monument Mitras under Adopt a Heritage is based on the following parameters:-

• Need –gap analysis
• Vision Development
• Adoption of sites having lesser visibility and footfall
• Operation and Maintenance Plan
• Visibility Requirement and Plan
• Credentials of Monument Mitras

Function of the adopting agencies are:

• Prepare detailed Vision Bidding document for all the heritage sites/monuments that they plan to adopt.
• Carry out need gap analysis for the identified tourist sites.
• Do the entire end to end work of creation of assets and services of the required levels and standards as per approved vision, proposal and MoU.
• Carry out Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the assets and services created.
• Execution of mid-course corrections, if any on the basis of feedback.

(d): Yes. The project guidelines have already been made broadbased. Various type of sites that can be opted under Adopt a Heritage are enlisted below:
1. Enlisted ASI Ticketed Sites
2. Other Natural & Cultural Heritage Sites
3. Any other Tourist Site or Monument.

(e): The ASI ticketed sites have been divided into three categories based on varied visibility and footfall. The sites have been classified under three categories namely green, orange and blue. Green is for high visibility and footfall, orange for medium and blue for low visibility and footfall. Details are enclosed at Annexure-II.


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