World Heritage Day: India’s Investment in Historic Monuments

As we approach World Heritage Day, celebrated globally on April 18, the spotlight intensifies on the conservation efforts of historic monuments around the world. India, with its rich tapestry of culture and history, houses an extensive array of historic monuments that chronicle its diverse past.

From the majestic Taj Mahal to the ancient ruins of Hampi, the conservation of these sites is vital not only for cultural heritage but also for tourism, which is a significant part of the country’s economy. Here, we delve into the financial, administrative, and strategic dimensions of how India allocates resources towards the preservation of its historic treasures.

What is a World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site is a special place that’s recognised by an organisation called UNESCO. These places can be either something made by people, like a famous building, or something natural, like a beautiful park. UNESCO gives this recognition to places that are really important to humanity because of their history, culture, science, or beauty.

When a place becomes a World Heritage Site, it means that people will work hard to take care of it and make sure it doesn’t get damaged or lost. They mark these places off and make rules to protect them. They also provide money to help keep these places safe and tell more people about them.

UNESCO has identified 1,154 special places around the world called World Heritage Sites. These sites are significant because they represent our shared human heritage.

India’s World Heritage Sites

India is home to 40 of these special places recognised by UNESCO. Most of them, 32 to be exact, showcase India’s rich cultural history. 7 are stunning natural wonders, and 1 is a mix of both cultural and natural beauty.

To make sure these sites are well looked after, different parts of the Indian government take responsibility. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a government agency, takes care of 24 of these sites. They’re in charge of researching, preserving, and protecting these historical places.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change takes care of the 7 natural sites and one mixed site, like Khangchendzonga National Park, which has both cultural and natural importance. 2 unique sites, the Mountain Railways of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, are looked after by the Ministry of Railways.

The remaining 6 sites are managed by local municipal corporations. They’re responsible for their preservation and protection in their respective areas.

India’s Budget for Conservation

The primary responsibility for the conservation of historical monuments in India rests with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), an organisation under the Ministry of Culture. The ASI manages more than 3,679 monuments nationwide, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the Indian government allocated ₹1102.83 crores to the Ministry of Culture for the preservation and conservation of historical sites. This budget covers various activities, including structural restoration, environmental upgrading, and visitor facility enhancements. However, this allocation is just a fraction of what experts believe is necessary to maintain and restore all sites adequately.

Other Sources of Funding

Aside from the central budget, conservation funding also comes from various other sources:

• State Governments: Many states have their own departments dealing with artefacts, and monuments not covered by ASI, providing additional funds and resources.

• Private Sector and CSR Initiatives: Corporations through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives contribute to conservation projects. For example, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been involved in urban renewal projects including the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb and Sunder Nursery in Delhi.

• International Grants and Collaborations: Collaborations with international bodies such as UNESCO and foreign governments also support conservation projects. These partnerships often provide both financial aid and technical expertise.

Expenditure on India’s World Heritage Sites

In December 2022, the Indian Government shared in Lok Sabha that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) spent ₹32.6 crores on conserving and developing amenities for 24 World Heritage Sites under its protection. This amount was down from the ₹44.5 crores spent in 2021-22, likely due to the impact of COVID-19. The highest expenditure in the five years from 2017-18 to 2021-22 was ₹55.32 crores in 2018-19, almost double that of the previous year. This increase was seen mostly at sites like Hampi and the Red Fort Complex.

Top 10 ASI Expenditure – by Centrally Protected World Heritage Sites

**Note: These numbers are cumulative of expenditures from 2017-18 to 2022-23, as of 12 December 2022

Revenue From India’s World Heritage Sites

In terms of revenue, the government’s earnings from the main World Heritage Sites dropped from ₹239.1 crores to ₹28.9 crores between 2019-20 and 2020-21. This was due to a significant decrease in visitors, from 2.45 crores to 57 lakhs. However, there was an improvement in 2021-22, with visitor numbers rising to 1.25 crores, resulting in revenue of ₹61.8 crores. In the first half of 2022-23 (April-September), there were 88.6 lakh visitors, generating ₹56.8 crores in revenue.

Revenue and Footfall: Centrally Protected World Heritage Sites

**Note: These numbers are cumulative from 2017-18 to the first half of 2022-23, as of 12 December 2022.

The Role of World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity for educational programs and events that can engage the public and foster a sense of pride and responsibility towards heritage conservation. In India, this day is marked by various activities at historical sites, such as guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural performances, which highlight the country’s commitment to its historical legacy.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, the conservation of India’s historic monuments requires a multifaceted approach involving increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of preservation. Additionally, leveraging technology for conservation, such as 3D scanning and using drones for site surveillance, can play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

In conclusion, while the funds allocated for the conservation of historic monuments in India are a testament to the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, the complexities associated with such endeavours demand ongoing attention and innovation. The preservation of these monuments is not just about maintaining bricks and mortar; it is about safeguarding the living history of India for future generations to study, appreciate, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: This article has been written for educational purposes only. The securities quoted are only examples and not recommendations.