India's cultural heritage is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture, beautifully preserved in thousands of monuments across the country. To ensure these gems continue to shine, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is launching the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program on September 4, 2023. This initiative aims to enhance the amenities at these historical sites by inviting corporate partners to contribute through their CSR funds.

The ASI safeguards 3696 monuments nationwide, each reflecting India's diverse and rich cultural heritage. These monuments not only symbolize our history but also stimulate economic growth by attracting tourists.

Under this revamped program, ASI provides a platform for corporate stakeholders to adopt specific monuments or amenities within these monuments. This collaboration aligns with the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. Interested stakeholders can apply through a dedicated web portal (www.indianheritage.gov.in), which outlines the monuments available for adoption, includes gap analyses, and estimates financial requirements.

Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, Shri G Kishan Reddy, emphasizes the significance of preserving these living testaments of India's past. He notes that heritage sites are not merely structures; they are the essence of our history, art, and architecture. The "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program aims to collaborate with corporate partners to preserve these sites for future generations. Selections will be made following due diligence, discussions with stakeholders, and assessments of the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.

The selected stakeholders will be responsible for developing, providing, and maintaining amenities in the categories of hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge dissemination. Their active participation will grant them recognition as responsible and heritage-friendly entities. Initially, the appointment term will be five years, with the possibility of extension for another five years.

In addition to this program, ASI is launching the "Indian Heritage" mobile app. This user-friendly app will serve as a showcase for India's heritage monuments. It will feature state-wise details of these monuments, complete with photographs, lists of available public amenities, geo-tagged locations, and a feedback mechanism for citizens. The app's launch will occur in phases, beginning with ticketed monuments in Phase I and followed by the remaining ones.

Furthermore, an e-permission portal (www.asipermissionportal.gov.in) will be introduced. This portal will streamline the process for obtaining permissions related to photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments, addressing operational and logistical challenges.

Through the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program, India takes another step towards preserving its cultural heritage for generations to come. This collaborative effort between the government and corporate partners promises to enhance the experience for visitors and promote responsible tourism while safeguarding the country's historical legacy.