Monument Adoption and Grant-in-aid Schemes: Preservation of 75 Delhi Monuments

Key facts

• The Delhi government approved the Monument Adoption Scheme and a grant-in-aid scheme to preserve 75 monuments under the banner 'Hamare Smarak, Hamara Gaurav'.
• The Monument Adoption Scheme allows private organisations, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and institutes to adopt monuments for five years to maintain visitor facilities.
• Under the adoption scheme, 'Monument Mitras' will manage amenities such as security, lighting, and cleanliness, which is estimated to save the government ₹4.5 lakh annually per monument.
• The grant-in-aid scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹2 crore to registered trusts, NGOs, foundations, universities, educational institutions, and autonomous government bodies for core conservation and restoration.
• Registration on the Centre's Darpan portal is mandatory for voluntary organisations seeking grants under the restoration project.
• The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) is already conducting core conservation for 21 of these monuments.
• The 75 monuments include Mutiny Memorial, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Malcha Mahal, Dara Shikoh Library Building, Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli, Turkman Gate, Jharna, Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan’s Tomb, Chaumchi Khan’s Tomb, Mosque of Darwesh Shah, Kharbuje Ka Gumbad, Sarai of Basant, Kos Minars in Badarpur, near Apollo Hospital, and Kureni village, as well as unnamed medieval tombs, gateways, baolis, mosques, and gardens.