ASI takes a leaf out of Scotland success story

LUCKNOW: On the lines of Scotland’s archeological department, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to launch the ‘adopt a monument’ concept here in the state capital to keep its culture and heritage intact.

The ASI plan, first of its kind to be launched in the state, includes adoption of unprotected monuments. Lucknow has around 59 ASI protected monuments and 15 state protected monuments. Besides, there are more than 600 unprotected heritage sites, including palatial mansions, maqbaras, gardens and gateways that are lying in utter neglect.

ASI’s superintending archaeologist, Lucknow Circle, NK Pathak said adoption could infuse fresh life into these fading monuments. “We are happy to assist the societies and volunteers who wants to contribute in the preservation of city’s rich heritage,” said Pathak while talking to HT adding, “the adoption scheme is in its nascent stage and its implementation with the concerned bodies may take some time”.

Scottish Archaeology department is said to be among the firsts to moot the concept and to run a programme in 1991, in response to heritage enthusiasts and societies that wanted to contribute towards preservation of heritage in Scotland.

The Scottish move changed the face of the heritage sites in UK’s northernmost country, officials said. “It’s indeed the best example of the preserving the monuments by roping in the societies and volunteers,” an ASI official said.

Archaeologists here said, a similar practice was carried out by the ASI in Goa in late 1990s and the changes were remarkable. Arc of Conception, a protected monument near Basilica of Bom Jesus—one of the most important heritage sites in Goa that is said to have the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier— was first site to be benefitted most. “Arch of Conception is a protected monument. But nothing much could be done to restore other monuments due to fund crunch. It was then we first launched ‘adopt a monument’ program and it did wonders,” said Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed, former regional director ASI, North India.

Mohammed was then posted in Goa as deputy superintending archaeologist. “Under the programme, we were approached by a group of students and we went ahead. We also imparted some training to the students, who did exceptional work in the restoration of the monument. Soon we were approached by corporates, industrialists and the state of the monument suddenly changed,” said Mohammed, sharing the success story.

The ASI move, meanwhile, has received a thumbs up in schools, corporate houses and heritage societies here in the state capital. “It’s a good idea and of course we want to be a part of it. I will ask principals of all CBSE affiliated schools in a meeting scheduled on October 14 to play an active role in saving city’s heritage,” said Dr Jawed Khan, city coordinator of CBSE. Vivanta by Taj too has appreciated the move. “ASI’s plan is worth appreciation. We are looking foreward to it and will surely be an active participant,” said Vijay Yadav, GM Vivanta by Taj. Jayant Krishna, UP head of INTACH, called it a timely move. “If implemented well, the city would soon be a designated heritage city. The move will not only ensure monument’s preservation but will also create awareness among the masses,” Krishna said.