Under the ‘Clean India’ campaign, state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is all set to adopt six monuments, which are also popular tourist destinations, across the country. The monuments are Taj Mahal in Agra, Ellora Caves and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given the nod to ONGC’s proposal of adopting the monuments.
To expedite the process, the Union Ministry of Tourism has taken up the matter with ASI to work out the details of various activities, cost estimates, identification of executive agencies and nomination of nodal officers for each monument without losing any time. The Ministry is trying to cover as many monuments/tourist destinations under this campaign so that tourists can soak in the spirit of cleanliness and respect for them.
The campaign is aimed at undertaking both sensitisation and action at field level on bringing India’s tourism destinations and their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. It will ensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. It will be a part of the Centre’s strategy for the 12th Five-Year Plan to improve the quality of services and environs in and around tourist destinations across India.
ONGC’s adoption of the six monuments is part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.