Demolish or Preserve!

Recently there was a buzz in the news, "Govt selling the National heritage to the private

companies!".

It is alarming to hear such news and wonder what is happening in our country? We tend to believe the news prima facie and do not dig deeper, but there is another perspective to look at this.

President of our country, Mr Ram Nath Kovind, announced the "Adopt a heritage program" in September 2017 to help the monuments and forgotten building get the funds and support in conservation and preservation of the nation's heritage, art, and culture.

The government of India Invited the entities, including Public sector companies, private sector firms, and individuals, to develop Monuments, heritage, and tourist sites across India.

India is a vast country with numerous heritages, culture and art. For centuries our legacy has been looted, taken away, hidden from us, due to which the importance and value have reduced tremendously.

Organisations like ASI and INTACH are doing great work. However, they have limitations, and to reach all corners of India, the Business entities are urged to adopt heritage sites, which will help the unregistered and ignored monuments with maintenance and sustainable businesses modules.

There have been similar programs in foreign countries and are running successfully where the monuments are restored to their former glory and converted into libraries, cafes, restaurants, marriage venues, and theatres. Such programs encourage the local business, and the property maintenance becomes sustainable. By such initiatives by the government also aims to curb the increasing building population.

-Tripti Dutta