New Delhi: From Mutiny Memorial on Northern Ridge and Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal near Karol Bagh to Malcha Mahal and Dara Shikoh Library Building at Kashmere Gate, some of Delhi’s lesser-known but historically significant monuments will soon be open for adoption by private organisations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), NGOs and institutes as Delhi govt seeks to boost conservation efforts through public-private partnerships.The Delhi cabinet on Monday approved two new schemes aimed at preserving 75 such monuments. While Delhi Chief Minister Monument Adoption Scheme will allow organisations to adopt monuments for five years and maintain visitor facilities, a separate grant-in-aid scheme will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 2 crore for core conservation and restoration work.CM Rekha Gupta said the initiative, launched under the banner, ‘Hamare Smarak, Hamara Gaurav’, seeks to improve the upkeep of monuments that fall under Delhi govt’s jurisdiction. It hopes to develop these heritage structures that are not under the purview of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) into attractive tourism destinations, while involving citizens and institutes in their preservation.‘Monument Mitras’ will be responsible for developing and maintaining visitor amenities, such as cleanliness, security, lighting, light-and-sound facilities and other public services using their own resources. Officials estimate that this could save govt around Rs 4.5 lakh annually for each adopted monument.Among the 75 monuments are Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli in Ballimaran, Turkman Gate, Jharna in Mehrauli, Gol Gumbad near Lodhi Road, Bijri Khan’s Tomb in R K Puram, Chaumchi Khan’s Tomb in Mehrauli, Mosque of Darwesh Shah near Siri Auditorium, Kharbuje Ka Gumbad in Panchsheel Park, Sarai of Basant, and several Kos Minars located in Badarpur, near Apollo Hospital and Kureni village. The list also includes numerous unnamed medieval tombs, gateways, baolis, mosques and gardens spread across the capital.Officials said an organisation interested in adopting a monument will have to submit an expression of interest along with a vision document detailing proposed improvements and visitor facilities. A tripartite memorandum of understanding will be signed between Delhi govt, the land-owning agency and the Monument Mitra. The scheme also provides for regular monitoring and periodic reviews.Govt said that any revenue collected from the approved activities at an adopted monument must be reinvested in its maintenance and development and cannot be retained as private profit.The second scheme focuses on technical conservation. Registered trusts, NGOs, foundations, universities, educational institutions and autonomous govt bodies will be eligible to seek grants of up to Rs 2 crore for restoration projects. Registration on the Centre’s Darpan portal will be mandatory for voluntary organisations.Officials said 21 of these monuments are already undergoing core conservation by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), while the new scheme is expected to widen participation in scientific restoration and generate employment for conservation professionals, artisans and skilled workers.
