New Delhi, Apr 28 (IBNS): Opposition parties attacked the Centre after a controversy erupted following the Dalmia Bharat Limited's move of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Tourism for the adoption of Red Fort monument under the 'Adopt a Heritage' project.
The Congress slammed the government over the issue and asked people a question on their Twitter handle.
"After handing over the Red Fort to the Dalmia group, which is the next distinguished location that the BJP government will lease out to a private entity? #IndiaSpeaks," the Congress asked.
TMC MP Derek O' Brien also slammed the government over the issue and tweeted:"Wah! So here is acche din. Red Fort being 'sold '? Now other national treasures ready to be auctioned to highest bidder. As Chairman Parliament Cmtee of Transport Tourism & Culture, can say matter was still being "discussed". Pledge to stop this."
The scheme “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” was originally launched on Sept 27, 2017 to preserve the rich cultural and natural heritage and to promote tourism across the length and breadth of our country.
The Project began with selected ASI ticketed monuments and the scope has now been expanded to include other natural and cultural sites across the country.
It was strongly emphasised that tourist experience is the prime parameter to evaluate our performance in the sector.
"As on date, the project has received very encouraging response with over 195 registrations as per the project website," read a government statement.
Various agencies that have come forward for adoption include not only public and private industry, but also schools and individuals.
"So far, 31 prospective monument mitras have been shortlisted by the Oversight & Vision committee for developing tourist friendly amenities at 95 monuments, heritage and other tourist sites including major heritage sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hampi, Sun Temple, Ajanta Caves, Char Minar, Kaziranga National Park. Earlier, two MoU’s were been signed between Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, Govt. of Uttarakhand and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India(ATOAI) for Mt. Stok Kangri, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and for Gangotri Temple Area & Trail to Gaumukh in Uttarakhand. Further, two MoUs were also signed for Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota fort, Andhra Pradesh between Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India and Dalmia Bharat Limited," read a government statement.
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