A significant development in heritage conservation has taken place as a private firm has adopted the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme. This marks the first instance of a monument in Maharashtra being adopted under this initiative, according to the ASI.
The ‘Adopt a Heritage‘ scheme, launched by the ASI, aims to involve private entities in the preservation and enhancement of India’s cultural heritage. Under this initiative, companies can adopt monuments and contribute to their upkeep as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The adoption of the Elephanta Caves signifies a milestone in this endeavour.
A senior ASI official confirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the private firm has been signed. The firm will focus on developing and maintaining public amenities at the Elephanta Caves, which are centrally protected monuments. The official emphasized that the firm’s involvement is strictly within the parameters of CSR, and they will not have control over the monument’s ticketing system, which remains under the purview of the government.
“The monument’s entry ticket is a Government of India ticket. Thus, the private agency will have no role in ticketing, nor in determining the price of entry. Their responsibility lies in the development and refurbishment of public amenities,” the official stated.
In response to concerns raised by politicians and historians regarding the potential commercial exploitation of heritage sites under the scheme, the ASI has clarified that while private firms may introduce semi-commercial amenities, such as light and sound shows or cafeterias, these are subject to approval by the ‘Approval and Implementation Committee’. Revenue generated from these activities will be used exclusively for the upkeep of the monument. For example, if a firm launches a light and sound show at the site, any income generated will be used solely for maintaining the show.
The guidelines for the programme further stipulate that at least 80% of the seats for any light and sound show must be priced below INR 200 to ensure they remain accessible to the public.
The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme, launched in September 2023, has already seen the signing of 19 MoUs, covering a total of 66 monuments across India, including the Elephanta Caves in Raigad. This initiative reflects a growing trend of public-private partnerships in the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that these sites are maintained for future generations while remaining accessible to the public.