Bhopal: From the time of its inception in 1639, to the ‘Tryst with Destiny’ historic speech by country’s first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on August 15, 1947, the Red Fort has borne the marks of time and watched centuries of change that swept through the country. The name, since then, is attached to India and her soul.
The handing over of the iconic monument to a corporate house Dalmia Bharat under its ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme for upkeep and maintenance has alarmed archaeologists, historians, architect and academicians in the city. Talking to Free Press they said that it could cause irreparable damage to the country’s historical treasure. How can a private entity be given the mandate to maintain the country’s centuries-old heritage, they questioned.
However, a section of people found nothing wrong in the decision saying that the company will maintain and restore the historic monument under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
An architect and historian, S M Hussain said, “It is wrong decision. How can we hand over our soul (heritage) to any private company which has no understanding of such monuments? And due to archaeological lack of knowledge, they may distort it then who will take its responsibility? There are many heritage sites in the state which have also been adopted like the ‘Taj MahaI’ in Bhopal and we can see its condition.”
Hussain said that he has written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this. It will incur no profit. I think, the government should empower ASI and grant it more money rather than handing over our heritage to private players, said Hussain. “We have a number of heritage sites in India but it is happening due to lack of Jazba (passion) among people towards heritage sites,” said the historian who has also been member of INTACH.
Another historian Sikanadar also echoed similar views. Terming it a ‘foolish decision’, he said, “It is politically driven and financially motivated scheme. The scheme, which is based on European country’s system is good but its implementation is cause of concern. It is Right wing’s politics to earn money nothing more than that. Heritage has never ever been priority of any political parties.” Such decision are being taken as there is lack of self pride among people towards heritage, said Sikandar, adding that problem will not be solved until we associate heritage with employment.
Ex- superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Narayan Vyas, held a different view. “I think, there is nothing wrong to hand over a heritage building to any private companies but condition should be that the company works under the supervision of ASI event if they make a toilet in it.”
However, an historian, Prof Suresh Mishra argued, “We should not reach conclusion without knowing or reading the condition place by the government for adoption. What is the harm if we hand over heritage sites to any private company for maintenance,” he questioned.
He further said, “ The condition of many heritage sites in Rajasthan which have be handed over to private hotels or companies is good while we can also see the pathetic conditions of heritage sites like Shaukat Mahal, Tajmahal and many others in Bhopal which is being restored under state government and tourism department,” he added. Some of the monuments of the state including Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Gwalior Fort, Royal Palace, Mandu, Datia Palace , Datia, Rani Roopmati Pavalion, Mandu and Sahi Quila, Burhanpur are also in list of adoption under Adopt a Heritage scheme -2018.
