New Delhi (Agency): he Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage by launching the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program. The launch event, which also introduced the “Indian Heritage” mobile app and an e-Permission portal, was attended by dignitaries and officials committed to the conservation of the nation’s rich cultural legacy.
The ASI is entrusted with the protection and preservation of 3696 monuments spread across the country, which serve as not only cultural landmarks but also contribute to economic growth. To ensure the sustainability of these heritage sites and to enhance the experience of visitors, the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program was unveiled on September 4, 2023, at the Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, New Delhi.
The Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, Shri G Kishan Reddy, who virtually attended the launch, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in the better upkeep and rejuvenation of India’s cultural heritage. He highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ (Heritage and Development Together) and urged various entities to actively participate in preserving monuments for the benefit of future generations.
The “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program seeks to foster collaboration with corporate stakeholders by inviting them to utilize their CSR funds to enhance amenities at heritage monuments. This revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017 outlines specific amenities required for different monuments based on the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act of 1958. Corporate stakeholders can apply to adopt a monument or sponsor specific amenities at a monument through a dedicated web portal, www.indianheritage.gov.in. This portal provides comprehensive details about the monuments available for adoption, gap analysis, and financial estimations for amenities.