3,698 Monuments Managed by ASI; 21 MoUs Under PPP for Enhanced Visitor Facilities
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Synopsis
On February 13, it was revealed that 3,698 monuments are protected under ASI's care, adhering to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014. The initiative includes 21 MoUs under the Adopt A Heritage 2.0 program aimed at improving visitor amenities through public-private partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- 3,698 monuments are managed by ASI.
- 21 MoUs signed under the AAH 2.0 program.
- Focus on non-conservational tasks to improve visitor facilities.
- NCF aids in mobilizing resources for heritage conservation.
- Preservation methodology includes various treatment techniques.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) There are 3,698 centrally-protected monuments/sites in the country under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which adheres to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014 for their preservation, as informed to Parliament on Thursday.
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated in a Rajya Sabha response that 21 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed under the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative 'Adopt A Heritage 2.0 (AAH 2.0)', launched on September 4, 2023.
He mentioned that this program allows stakeholders to engage in non-conservational tasks such as cleaning monument premises and providing basic tourist amenities like washrooms, drinking water, childcare rooms, benches, pathways, garbage bins, signage, sound and light shows, and illumination, all under the guidance and consultation of ASI.
The National Culture Fund (NCF), a trust established in 1996 under the Ministry of Culture, primarily focuses on fostering PPP in heritage by catalyzing collaborations among private, public, governmental, non-governmental agencies, private institutions, and foundations.
The NCF also works to mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection, and development of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The Minister added that ASI conducts independent conservation work at the centrally protected monuments. The methodology for preservation employed by ASI includes inspection of monuments, identification of preservation issues, chemical treatment, biocidal treatment, consolidation, strengthening, and hydrophobic treatment.
The conservation and maintenance of these centrally-protected monuments/sites is an ongoing process, undertaken as per the requirements and availability of resources.
All necessary conservation and development activities for centrally protected monuments/sites adhere to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014.
