24 heritage sites up for adoption

Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service
Shimla, January 11

The state government has invited industry bigwigs, hydro-power producers and prominent names in the hospitality sector to adopt heritage monuments, including forts, monasteries and temples from a list of 24 sites prepared by the State Language, Art and Culture Department.

Stakeholders, including associations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), PHD Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), power producers, pharma companies, hoteliers, cement companies and industrialists have been invited for a meeting here on January 22 to seek their opinion and assistance in protecting the rich heritage of the state. Besides Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Additional Director General of the Ministry of Tourism from the Centre will also be present at the interaction.

The scheme being implemented is an extension of the “Adopt a heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan”, but the state government has identified a list of 20 sites under its own scheme “Aaj Purani Rahon Se” which includes 10 temples. The Kalka-Shimla rail line, which has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage site, also figures on the list. Out of the 24 monuments, forts, monasteries and temples, four are under the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI).

“The richness of Himachal’s heritage is reflected in the form of its numerous temples, palaces, forts, monasteries and a total of 40 protected monuments of national importance are located across eight districts of the state,” KK Sharma, Director, Language, Art and Culture Department, said.

“We are seeking the assistance of industry and other associations in adopting a site and developing synergy among all partners to effectively promote responsible tourism,” he added.

It is under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) head that the private players will help in maintenance, upkeep and providing all amenities for promoting the place from the tourism point of view. Some of these lesser-known places are in a rundown condition for want of funds and their adoption will pave the way for their maintenance and making them more popular.

Potential sites 

• Kangra Fort
• Rock Cut Temple, Masrur
• Gondhla Fort, Lahaul-Spiti
• Sapani Fort, Kinnuar

Sites proposed by govt

• Chamunda Temple, Kangra
• Mahadev temple, Mandi
• Prashar Temple, Mandi
• Kalka-Shimla rail line
• Haripur village, Kangra
• Rock Art, Spiti
• Sapani Fort, Kinnuar 
• Chehni Kothi, Banjar
• Phoo Monastery, Tabo