The Central government’s effort to rope in private partners to improve heritage sites and tourism experience is bearing fruit, with the Ministry of Culture issuing a letter of intent to Kakatiya Heritage Trust for adopting Ramappa Temple in Palampet.
“We have received the letter of intent, we now have to submit a vision document about how we are going to be involved in protecting the heritage site and improving tourist infrastructure,” said B.V. Papa Rao of Kakatiya Heritage Trust.
The adopt a heritage scheme was launched in September 27, 2017 and till now, there have been about 195 registrations. “It is an exciting opportunity for us as we plan to work not just on the main temple, but also some of the nearby temples as they also need upkeep and protection. They are not aided either by the Archaeological Survey of India or the Department of Archaeology and Museums. The goal remains obtaining the World Heritage Site status for the Kakatiya-era monuments,” said Mr. Rao.
The Ramappa temple is on the tentative list of Unesco World Heritage Site as a serial nomination along with the 1,000 pillar temple, Swayambhu temple and the Keerti Thoranas of Warangal fort. The Ramappa temple is perhaps the only temple in the country which is known by the name of the architect who designed it. Besides stunning dance sculptures and friezes showcasing Perini Shivatandavam, the temple is built in a valley and rests on bricks which have been scientifically shown to float in water.
Hyderabad’s two Qutb Shahi-era monuments have drawn the interest of corporate bigwigs like ITC Hotels and GMR Sports Private Limited for adoption. While ITC has given an expression of interest presentation for Charminar, GMR made a case for adopting Golconda in November 2017 during the second phase of the project. Both the bids are being evaluated with additional meetings to thrash out the nitty-gritty of the adoption process.
So far, 95 monuments, heritage and other tourist sites including major heritage sites like Gandikota Fort and Red Fort have been short-listed by the oversight and vision committee to be given to 31 private parties for developing tourist friendly amenities.
Two MoUs have also been signed for developing Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota fort, Andhra Pradesh between Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India and Dalmia Bharat Limited.
