Elephanta Caves Becomes First In Maharashtra Adopted Under ASI’s ‘Adopt A Heritage’ Program
Elephanta Caves Becomes First In Maharashtra Adopted Under ASI's 'Adopt A Heritage' Program
20 August 2024
A private company has recently taken on the Elephanta Caves, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the Archaeological Survey of India’s ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program. Senior officials from the ASI informed TOI on Saturday that this marks the first monument in the state to be adopted under this initiative. There have also been inquiries from private firms interested in adopting other monuments, such as Shaniwarwada and Pataleshwar Caves in Pune.
An ASI official mentioned, “We have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the private agency that previously showed interest in adopting the monument. The agency will be responsible for developing and maintaining public facilities at this centrally protected site as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.”
In response to concerns raised by certain politicians and historians regarding the possible commercialization of Indian heritage through the scheme, the ASI clarified that the ticketing system for monument entry will remain entirely under its control.
“The entry ticket for the monument is issued by the Government of India. Therefore, the private agency will not be involved in ticketing or in setting the price for entry to the adopted monument. The agency’s responsibility will be to develop and improve public amenities as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR). Most firms that have signed memorandums of understanding under this scheme will utilize their CSR funds to enhance public facilities at the sites they have adopted.”
The official stated, “For example, if the company organizes a light and sound show at the adopted site, it may be permitted to earn income from it to cover the costs of the show. However, any revenue generated must be used exclusively for the maintenance of the show.”
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According to the program’s guidelines, the initiative permits the adopting agency to introduce semi-commercial amenities, pending approval from the ‘Approval and Implementation Committee.’ These amenities may include cafeterias, souvenir kiosks, and light and sound shows. The revenue generated from these activities will be utilized to sustain, develop, operate, and maintain the adopted monument. The guidelines also specify that at least 80% of the seats for any light and sound show should be priced below INR 200 to ensure accessibility.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2013351
The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme was launched by the ASI in September 2023. So far, a total of 19 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed, encompassing 66 monuments across India, including the Elephanta Caves in Raigad. This initiative aims to promote the conservation and maintenance of these heritage sites through collaboration with private entities.
