Shah Jahan's Red Fort Is Now Dalmia Bharat Group's And People Are Not Happy About It!

The iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, the 17th century monument, where the Prime Minister hoist the national flag and addresses the nation on the occasion of the Independence Day is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable historic sites in India, maybe second only to the Taj Mahal.

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But what if the control of the iconic building is handed over to a private company and the government or any government bodies?

Cement manufacturer Dalmia Bharat Group has adopted the 17th century monument for 5 years at a cost of Rs 25 crore (Rs 5 crore a year).

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The Dalmia Bharat Group has become the first Indian corporate company to adopt a historic monument under the government's ‘Adopt A Heritage’ scheme.

The company signed an MoU with the Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India on this regard on Tuesday. Other than the Red Fort, Dalmia Bharat Group has also adopted the Gandikota Fort in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

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Dalmia Bharat group, led by Puneet Dalmia competed against the likes of IndiGo Airlines and GMR group win the contract for Red Fort.

“Adopting a Heritage Project is a unique endeavour by ministry of tourism in developing monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India to enhance their tourism potential and cultural importance. We look forward to adding value to India’s heritage sites in every possible manner,” said Puneet Dalmia.

As per the MoU, Dalmia Bharat Group will be tasked with carrying out a major facelift of the Red Fort’s surroundings and the company can make revenue by charging the visitors there.

Adopt a Heritage Scheme’ (apni dharohar apni pehchan project) was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on World Tourism Day on 27th September 2017. Under the scheme, private, public sector companies are invited to adopt heritage sites and to take up responsibility to promote sustainable tourism through conservation and development under their corporate social responsibility activities.

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Not just Red Fort, the government plans to make a total of 22 monuments including the Taj Mahal up for adoption under the scheme.

According to reports, GMR Sports and ITC Ltd have expressed interest in adopting the Taj.

While the government intends to "protect, preserve and market" the heritage of India? under the scheme, many are not happy about the concept.