Delhi Heritage Conservation Monument Adoption Scheme
| General Studies Paper II: Heritage Conservation, Government Policies & Interventions |
Why in News?
Recently, the Delhi government launched the Heritage Conservation Monument Adoption Scheme under the “Hamare Smarak, Hamara Gaurav” initiative, enabling private institutions to adopt protected monuments.
What is Delhi’s Monument Adoption Scheme?
- About: The Delhi Monument Adoption Scheme is a new heritage conservation initiative approved by the Delhi Cabinet on 30 June 2026.
- It was launched under the campaign “Hamare Smarak, Hamara Gaurav” (Our Monuments, Our Pride) initiative.
- It aims to improve conservation, visitor facilities and public participation through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- Need: Many monuments under the Delhi Government’s Department of Archaeology face inadequate maintenance, poor visitor amenities and limited financial resources.
- The scheme seeks to mobilise private expertise and funding while ensuring systematic preservation.
- Coverage: The initiative covers 75 protected monuments notified under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004.
- These monuments are outside the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Monuments Covered: The list includes Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Malcha Mahal, Dara Shikoh Library Building, Mutiny Memorial, Turkman Gate, Jharna and several historic tombs, baolis and gateways.
- Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli is situated in Ballimaran, Old Delhi. This historic haveli was the final residence of the legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. It has been preserved as a museum.
- Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal is a 14th-century structure built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq and sits deep within the Central Ridge Reserve Forest.
- Malcha Mahal is also a Tughlaq-era hunting lodge. Itt is located in the Chanakyapuri forest near the ISRO earth station. It
- Dara Shikoh Library Building was built by Shah Jahan’s eldest son, Dara Shikoh, in 1639. This mansion combines Mughal and Colonial architectural elements.
- Mutiny Memorial was constructed in 1863. This red sandstone Gothic tower honors British soldiers who died during the 1857 Uprising.
- Turkman Gate was constructed by Shah Jahan. It is one of the original 14 gates of the walled city of Shahjahanabad.
- It derives its name from the nearby 13th-century mausoleum of the Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani.
- Jharna was situated in Mehrauli. This 18th-century heritage site features an artificial waterfall and terraced gardens.
- Participation: Eligible participants include private companies, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), NGOs, trusts, educational institutions and individual citizens.
- Selected adopters will function as “Monument Mitras”.
- Adoption Period: Each monument can be adopted for five years through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Delhi Government, the land-owning agency and the Monument Mitra.
- Responsibilities: Adopters will finance and maintain cleanliness, security, lighting, landscaping, visitor amenities and light-and-sound facilities using their own resources without acquiring ownership rights.
- Financial Support: Alongside the adoption programme, a separate Grant-in-Aid Scheme provides up to ₹2 crore to eligible institutions for scientific conservation, restoration and structural preservation of heritage monuments.
- Revenue Regulation: Any income generated through approved events or activities at adopted monuments cannot become private profit.
- It must be reinvested entirely into monument maintenance and development.
- Expected Benefits: The government estimates annual savings of around ₹4.5 lakh per monument, reducing the government’s maintenance burden.
- It may improve heritage conservation, tourism infrastructure, cultural awareness and employment for conservation professionals and artisans.
- It complements the national vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” and reflects cooperative heritage management at the state level.
Central Government Heritage Conservation Initiatives
- Adopt a Heritage – Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan (2017): The Ministry of Tourism launched Adopt a Heritage on 27 September 2017 (World Tourism Day) with the Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- It invited PSUs, private companies, NGOs and individuals to become “Monument Mitras” and develop visitor amenities at heritage, natural and tourist sites through CSR funding.
- On 4 September 2023, ASI launched Adopt a Heritage 2.0, shifting focus towards transparent monument-specific adoption, digital monitoring and clearly defined responsibilities under the AMASR Act, 1958.
- The revamped scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Culture, covering nearly 3,696 centrally protected monuments across India.
- The initiative channels Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds into heritage management.
- Private partners finance tourist amenities, while scientific conservation remains exclusively with ASI.
- Facilities are grouped into Hygiene, Accessibility, Safety and Knowledge.
- These include toilets, drinking water, pathways, battery vehicles, CCTV, lighting, interpretation centres, AR/VR experiences, souvenir kiosks and cultural programmes.
- Digital Heritage Platforms: The government simultaneously launched the Indian Heritage App, a heritage portal, and an e-permission portal for photography, filming and developmental approvals.
- HRIDAY Scheme (2015): The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) was launched in 2015 to integrate urban infrastructure with heritage conservation in 12 heritage cities, supporting roads, sanitation, public spaces and monument surroundings.
- PRASHAD Scheme: Launched in January 2015, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme develops pilgrimage destinations through integrated infrastructure, heritage conservation, tourist facilities and improved accessibility.
- Swadesh Darshan: Launched in 2014–15, Swadesh Darshan Scheme develops theme-based tourist circuits, including Heritage, Buddhist, Coastal, Desert and Eco circuits, improving connectivity, interpretation and tourism infrastructure.
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0 was launched in March 2024 for Challenge Based Destination Development.
- National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities: The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) documents, digitises and creates a national database of built heritage and antiquities.
- As of March 2026, NMMA has documented 1.84 lakh unprotected monuments (including built heritage sites and sites) and 17.20 lakh antiquities across India.
FAQs:
1. What is the Delhi Monument Adoption Scheme?
A PPP-based initiative allowing eligible entities to adopt 75 Delhi-protected monuments for maintenance, amenities and heritage promotion without ownership transfer.
2. Why has the Delhi government launched the heritage adoption scheme?
To strengthen heritage conservation, increase public participation, improve visitor amenities and transform monuments into vibrant cultural and tourism destinations.
3. Which monuments are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers 75 monuments protected by Delhi’s Department of Archaeology, outside the jurisdiction of the ASI.
4. Who can adopt monuments under the initiative?
Private companies, PSUs, NGOs, trusts, educational institutions and individuals can adopt monuments as Monument Mitras for five years.
5. How will the scheme help preserve Delhi’s heritage?
It improves cleanliness, security, lighting, visitor facilities and supports conservation through structured public-private collaboration.
6. Will private organizations be allowed to participate?
Yes. Private organizations can participate by adopting monuments under government supervision without receiving ownership rights.
7. What are the objectives of the monument adoption programme?
Its objectives are conservation, restoration support, tourism promotion, community participation and sustainable management of Delhi’s heritage assets.
8. How will the scheme promote heritage tourism?
By upgrading visitor amenities, enhancing monument experiences and encouraging cultural activities that attract more domestic and international tourists.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is based on official announcements and public records. Regulations and implementation details may evolve over time.
