Dalmia Bharat recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Tourism for adoption of Red Fort monument under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project. With an estimate over INR five crores per year, Dalmia Bharat joins ‘Monument Mitras’ from other various private sector companies to look after the operations and the maintenance of this heritage site for the next five years.
The MoU was signed in the presence of chief guest K J Alphons, Hon’ble minister of state, Tourism (Independent Charge) and other senior officials of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India(ASI).
Speaking about the signing of MoU, Puneet Dalmia, managing director, Dalmia Bharat Group said, “We are very honoured to have adopted one of India’s top heritage sites. At Dalmia Bharat, we take pride in Indian culture and practice it at the workplace. For us, it is an extension of what we believe in. Adopting a Heritage Project is a unique endeavour by Ministry of Tourism which envisions in developing monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India to enhance their tourism potential and cultural importance. We look forward to adding value to India’s heritage sites in every possible manner.”
On the occasion, Sundeep Kumar, executive director, Dalmia Bharat said, “We are grateful to the Ministry of Tourism for trusting us and giving us this opportunity. With our dedicated efforts we will endeavour to make Red Fort a world-class monument in terms of amenities and experience. Such initiatives will enhance the tourist experience, resulting in more footfall from both domestic and foreign tourists. With our efforts we will make Indian heritage sites a symbol of pride for all of us.”
The first of its kind adoption enables Dalmia Bharat to construct, landscape, illuminate and maintain activities related to provision and development of tourist amenities. This includes various basic and advanced amenities such as public conveniences, clean drinking water, cleanliness of the monument, accessibility for all, signage, cloakroom facilities, illumination and night viewing, surveillance system, tourist facilitation cum interpretation centre among others.
In addition to this, Dalmia Bharat will also introduce other key amenities for the visitors like App based Multi lingual Audio-Guide, Digital Interactive Kiosk, Digital (LED) screening, free W-Fi and cafetaria along with a souvenir shop which will help in promoting local art and craftsmanship. Keeping in mind easy accessibility to the differently-abled visitors, there will be construction of ramps & differently-abled friendly toilets. Facilities like wheelchair availability, battery-operated vehicles, braille signages are some of the key additions which will make Red Fort a barrier free monument. Use of advanced surveillance system like PTZ based CCTV cameras will also be installed as permissible guidelines as per ASI. Dalmia Bharat will also assist in controlling the advanced tourist flow management system linked with carrying capacity of the monuments including Light and Sound shows with regular cultural shows and facilitation of night visits to the monuments.
The Adopt a Heritage Scheme’ (Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project) was launched by president of India on World Tourism Day (September 27th 2017). Under it, private, public sector companies and corporate individuals are invited to adopt heritage sites and to take up responsibility for making them and promote sustainable tourism through conservation and development under their Corporate Social Responsibility activities.