The Dalmia Bharat Group adopted the historic monument of Delhi – The Red Fort, on the twenty eighth of April. Hence signing an MoU with the government to adopt the iconic Mughal era site, at a price of twenty five crore rupees. The site was closely fought for by corporates such as GMR Sports and IndiGo Airlines.
The adoption of Red Fort comes under the Tourism Ministry’s ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme that started last year. The scheme invites government and private parties to operate and maintain heritage sites. It was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism day last year.
According to the scheme, any entity that adopts a site would have to construct landscape, illuminate and maintain activities related to provision and development of tourist amenities without expecting any profits. Although, due credits would be given to the company.
The ministry has also awarded the Letter of Intent to nine agencies for the adoption of twenty two more heritage sites, including the marbled wonder of India – Taj Mahal.
This decision to bid off the coveted site of Delhi has brought in outrageous responses from the opposition. The Rahul Gandhi led government took to Twitter and ran a poll asking which monuments the saffron party would “lease out to a private entity” next. TMC chief Mamata Bannerjee tweeted, “Why can’t the Government even take care of our historic Lal Qila? Red Fort is a symbol of our nation. It is where India’s flag is hoisted on Independence Day. Why should it be leased out ? Sad and dark day in our history,”
The Union Minister of Tourism, KJ Alphons responded to the criticism by saying, “The companies involved in these projects will only spend and not make money. They will create amenities such as toilets, provide drinking water for the tourists so that their footfalls increase. They might put up signs outside to say that they have developed the amenities. If they are spending money, there is nothing wrong in taking credit for it.” He further defended his stand by questioning the opposition and saying, “I want to ask the Congress what they did for the past 70 years. All the monuments and facilities around them are in terrible shape. In some places, there were no facilities at all.”
It is now left to the five year period to determine and analyze whether this move to privatise heritage sites suits India or not. It remains an unanswered question as to would the corporates be able to uphold the cultural glory of the monuments and evolve them from the shatters they are in.
Nice and balanced presentation