July 3: The Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to adopt 75 heritage monuments across the national capital by partnering with trusts, NGOs, foundations and educational institutions for their conservation, maintenance and visitor management. The initiative aims to strengthen heritage preservation through collaborative efforts while improving public access and tourism infrastructure.
The programme aligns with the Union Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ initiative, which encourages public and private organisations to contribute towards the development of heritage sites through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable investment models. The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State and Union Territory governments.
Under the scheme, participating organisations become ‘Monument Mitras’, taking responsibility for developing, operating and maintaining visitor amenities such as signage, lighting, sanitation facilities, seating areas and interpretation centres. While these partners can enhance the visitor experience, the conservation and restoration of protected monuments continue to remain under the jurisdiction of the concerned government authorities.
As part of the initiative, the Delhi Department of Archaeology has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several organisations. Bird Heritage Foundation has adopted Gol Gumbad and Bara Lao Ka Gumbad, while The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT) and Museum and Arts Consultancy (MAC) have partnered to manage visitor facilities at the historic Dara Shikoh Library Building.
The initiative also complements the Central Government’s ‘Adopt A Heritage 2.0’ programme launched in March 2026, which provides a structured framework for private companies, public sector enterprises, NGOs, trusts and societies to participate in improving visitor amenities at nationally protected monuments. The revised programme clearly limits private participation to non-conservation activities, ensuring that heritage restoration remains under expert supervision.
In a parallel effort to promote heritage awareness among young people, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also introduced an ‘Adopt-a-Monument’ programme, encouraging schools to engage students in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
Through the adoption of 75 monuments, the Delhi government aims to strengthen heritage conservation, improve tourism infrastructure and encourage greater participation from civil society and corporate organisations in preserving the capital’s rich historical legacy.
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