ASI Launches ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ to Preserve Cultural Treasures

Published on 2 September 2023 by

Adopt a Heritage 2.0: Revitalizing Our Heritage

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to launch the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme on September 4, 2023. The program is designed to facilitate corporate stakeholders’ active involvement in improving amenities at heritage sites by utilizing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The goal is to enhance the overall visitor experience while preserving and showcasing India’s cultural treasures. Under the program, corporate entities are invited to adopt a monument or specific amenities at a monument through a dedicated web portal, accessible at www.indianheritage.gov.in. The portal provides comprehensive details of the monuments available for adoption, along with gap analysis and financial estimates for the required amenities.

Adopt a Heritage 2.0: Selection Process and Amenities Enhancement

The selection process for corporate stakeholders will involve thorough due diligence, discussions with various stakeholders, and a comprehensive assessment of the economic and developmental opportunities associated with each monument.

The selected stakeholders will be entrusted with developing, providing, and maintaining amenities in hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge categories. Their involvement will not only contribute to the preservation of heritage sites but also position them as responsible and heritage-friendly entities. Initially, the term of the appointment will be for five years, with the possibility of extension for another five years.

Unlocking India’s Heritage with Technology

In conjunction with the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program, a user-friendly mobile app named ‘Indian Heritage’ will be launched on the same day. This innovative app will serve as a digital showcase of India’s rich heritage monuments. It will provide state-wise details of monuments, accompanied by photographs, a list of available public amenities, geo-tagged locations, and a feedback mechanism for citizens. The app’s launch will be carried out in phases, with ticketed monuments introduced in Phase I, followed by the remaining monuments.

Additionally, to streamline and expedite various processes related to heritage sites, an e-permission portal with the URL www.asipermissionportal.gov.in will be launched. This portal will facilitate the acquisition of permissions for photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments, resolving operational and logistical bottlenecks involved in these activities.

Conclusion

The “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program is a significant initiative that will help to preserve and enhance India’s rich cultural heritage. The program is open to all corporate entities, and I encourage them to come forward and contribute to this important cause.