When we adopt something, be it a tree, an animal or another human being, we take responsibility for that thing and do everything we can to make it grow.
This simple concept has recently been extended to the historical heritage of our country with the 200-year old Red Fort being adopted by the Dalmia Bharat Group in one of the most remarkable contracts which focuses on adopting Indian monuments.
Adopting Red Fort? Doesn’t that sound a bit weird honestly? I mean who adopts a monument?
Well, apparently it’s part of a big project which the Government of India has been working on for quite some time now.
What’s The Project All About?
The ‘ADOPT a Heritage’ or ‘Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project’ scheme was launched by the President on World Tourism Day in September last year and the sole focus of this scheme is to encourage government and private players to contribute in the operation and maintenance of India’s heritage by adopting Indian monuments.
This project, in simple words, opens the doors for private companies to utilize their resources and technology in upgrading the services of the Indian monuments and maintain them to the highest order.
It’s totally a non-profit initiative which will only improve our experience of getting a taste of the country’s rich and old heritage.
Most importantly, the 77-year old Dalmia Group made history by becoming the first conglomerate to adopt an Indian monument after beating Indigo Airlines and GMR Group in the race of bagging the most coveted contract.
Details Of The Contract
Under the ‘ADOPT a Heritage’ scheme, Dalmia Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to adopt the Red Fort for the next five years in a 25 crore deal.
And with this, the Dalmia Group becomes a part of the “Monument Mitras” – a group of private companies assigned to take care and look after the operations and management of the heritage sites for the next five years.
Under the contract, the one important role of the Dalmia Group would be to build basic infrastructure around the Red Fort and maintain it.
It would be responsible for providing basic services like drinking water kiosks, street-furniture like benches and shop signage, putting up tactile maps, upgrading sanitation services, lighting up Red Fort pathways, doing restoration work and much more.
In fact, Dalmia Group also plans to hold various cultural events like musical concerts at the Red Fort to encourage the tourism inflow in the monument which would do nothing but boost its image as an Indian heritage.
What‘s In It For Dalmia Group?
Well as much as it is for the common good, it is, after all, a deal which is made to benefit both the parties more or less equally.
The contract not only focuses on improving the quality of experience visitors would have by going to Red Fort but it also provides substantial visibility to the Dalmia Group as a brand.
As part of the deal, the conglomerate would be able to use the “Dalmia” brand name on souvenirs, banners during fests and cultural events and other things that it would do.
Also, a proper sign would be installed on the historical monument to let people know that it has been adopted by the Dalmia Bharati Group.
Isn’t it a win-win deal?
Well I, for one, must say that the “ADOPT a Heritage” project is a unique way to improve the condition of heritage sites in India that too at a reasonable cost. It also allows the private entities to take part responsibility in maintaining our cultural treasure.
Sources: News 18, Business Standard, FirstPost, Times Of India
Image Source: Google Images
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