Mamata Banerjee attacks central government for leasing out Red Fort to Dalmia Group

In a tweet, Banerjee said: "Why can’t the Government even take care of our historic Lal Qila ? Red Fort is a symbol of our nation. It is where India’s flag is hoisted on Independence Day. Why should it be leased out ? Sad and dark day in our history"

The Dalmia Bharat Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Tourism for the adoption of Red Fort monument under the 'Adopt a Heritage' project.

The scheme “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” was originally launched on Sept 27, 2017 to preserve the rich cultural and natural heritage and to promote tourism across the length and breadth of our country.

The Project began with selected ASI ticketed monuments and the scope has now been expanded to include other natural and cultural sites across the country.

It had strongly emphasised that tourist experience is the prime parameter to evaluate our performance in the sector.

"As on date, the project has received very encouraging response with over 195 registrations as per the project website," read a government statement.

Various agencies that have come forward for adoption include not only public and private industry, but also schools and individuals.

"So far, 31 prospective monument mitras have been shortlisted by the Oversight & Vision committee for developing tourist friendly amenities at 95 monuments, heritage and other tourist sites including major heritage sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hampi, Sun Temple, Ajanta Caves, Char Minar, Kaziranga National Park. Earlier, two MoU’s were been signed between Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, Govt. of Uttarakhand and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India(ATOAI) for Mt. Stok Kangri, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and for Gangotri Temple Area & Trail to Gaumukh in Uttarakhand. Further, two MoUs were also signed for Red Fort, Delhi and Gandikota fort, Andhra Pradesh between Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India and Dalmia Bharat Limited," read a government statement.