In a landmark move for heritage conservation in Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island in Raigad, has become the first monument in the state to be adopted by a private firm under the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme. The adoption marks a significant step towards involving the corporate sector in the preservation and enhancement of India’s historical sites through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding.
Senior officials from the ASI confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the private agency, allowing the firm to undertake the development and maintenance of public amenities at the Elephanta Caves. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme, launched by the ASI in September 2023, which has seen 19 MoUs signed so far, covering 66 monuments across India.
Elephanta Caves is the first monument in Maharashtra to be adopted under this initiative. Located on the Elephanta Island, the site is known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 5th to 7th centuries. The caves are a major tourist attraction and hold immense cultural and historical significance.
Officials have revealed that other monuments in Maharashtra, such as Shaniwarwada and Pataleshwar Caves in Pune, have also attracted interest from private firms looking to adopt and maintain these sites.
Under the terms of the MoU, the adopting firm will be responsible for developing and refurbishing public amenities at the Elephanta Caves as part of its CSR obligations. These amenities may include restrooms, visitor shelters, pathways, and other essential facilities to enhance the visitor experience. The firm’s involvement is strictly limited to the maintenance of these amenities, with no influence over the entry ticketing system or pricing, which remains under the exclusive control of the ASI.
An ASI official explained, “The monument’s entry ticket is a Government of India ticket. The private agency will have no role in ticketing or determining the price of entry. Their responsibility is confined to the development and maintenance of public amenities, funded through their CSR initiatives.”
In response to concerns raised by some politicians and historians regarding the potential commercialisation of Indian heritage through this scheme, the ASI has provided assurances that the heritage integrity of the sites will be maintained. The programme guidelines stipulate that while the adopting agency may be permitted to implement semi-commercial amenities—such as cafeterias, souvenir kiosks, and light and sound shows—these activities will be subject to approval by the ‘Approval and Implementation Committee.’
The revenue generated from such activities is to be used solely for the upkeep and maintenance of the adopted monument. Additionally, the guidelines ensure accessibility by mandating that at least 80 per cent of seats for any light and sound shows are priced below INR 200.
“For instance, if the firm launches a light and sound show at the adopted site, it could be allowed to generate income from the show to cover maintenance costs,” the official said. “However, all income generated must be reinvested into maintaining the show itself.”
The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme is designed to foster collaboration between the government and the private sector in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By involving private entities in the management and maintenance of historical sites, the programme aims to ensure these monuments are preserved for future generations while enhancing the experience for visitors.
