• The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) launched ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme seeking collaboration with corporate stakeholders in preservation of monuments.

• A mobile app named ‘Indian Heritage’, which will showcase the heritage monuments of India, was also unveiled.

• These monuments not only exhibit the rich cultural heritage of India but also play a significant role in fostering economic growth.

Adopt A Heritage

• ‘Adopt A Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’, scheme was launched on September 27, 2017 in a collaborative effort by ministry of tourism, ministry of culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state/UTs governments.

• It envisages development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites and making them tourist friendly, to enhance tourism potential and cultural importance in a planned and phased manner. 

• The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, public conveniences, safe drinking water, ease of access for tourists, signages, illumination, WiFi, etc.

• The project aims to encourage companies from public sector, private sector, trusts, NGOs, individuals and other stakeholders to become ‘Monument Mitras’ and take up the responsibility of developing and upgrading the basic and advanced tourist amenities at these sites as per their interest and viability in terms of a sustainable investment model under  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). They would also look after the operations and maintenance of the same.

The objectives of the project are:

• Developing basic tourism infrastructure in and around heritage sites, monuments and tourist sites.

• Develop facilities and amenities to improve the tourist experience at heritage sites, monuments and tourist sites.

• Promote cultural and heritage value of the country and develop avenues to create awareness about the heritage sites/tourist sites in the country. 

• Develop and promote sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensure proper operations and maintenance therein.

• Develop employment opportunities and support livelihoods of local communities at the heritage and tourist sites.

Adopt a Heritage 2.0

• The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme is a revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017 and clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per the The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.

• It seeks to foster collaboration with corporate stakeholders through which they can contribute to preservation of these monuments for the next generations.

• It invites corporate stakeholders to enhance amenities at monuments by utilising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

• The process for selection will be carried out after due diligence and discussions with various stakeholders and assessing the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.

Archaeological Survey of India

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861. 

• It is an attached office of the ministry of culture. 

• The organisation is headed by director general. 

• The ASI has 3,697 monuments under its ambit.

• ASI is engaged in protection, preservation and conservation of monuments of national importance, including World Heritage properties and site museums. 

• ASI administers Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 and, also the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.

• ASI has now 36 circles which are headed by Superintending Archaeologists, besides mini circles located in various states and Union Territories and six Regional Directorates (located at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati and Bhopal) headed by Regional Director.

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