n a bid to preserve heritage structures in the state, which are not being properly maintained, the Gujarat government is coming out with a policy for privatisation of heritage structures, a senior official said.
In a bid to preserve heritage structures in the state, which are not being properly maintained, the Gujarat government is coming out with a policy for privatisation of heritage structures, a senior official said.
The state government has identified around 30 heritage structures, which do not fall under the ambit of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), for the purpose.
“The policy for privatisation of public heritage structures is almost finalised, and will be notified shortly. The policy will help in proper maintenance of a large number of heritage structures, and also in attracting more tourists to such places,” Vipul Mittra, principal secretary, tourism department, told DNA.
The Maqbara in Junagadh, Rani No Hajiro in Ahmedabad, Badhsha No Hajiro in Ahmedabad, and Lakhtar Fort in Surendranagar are some of the prominent heritage structures which have been identified by government.
“There are other heritage structures too, particularly in Saurashtra, which have been identified for privatisation,” Mittra said.
A senior tourism department official said that many of the heritage structures in the state are in very bad shape, and privatisation is the only way to preserve them. As per the policy, the heritage structures will be handed over to private companies on contracts for ten years, who will be responsible for their maintenance. The contractor will be required to develop parking, utilities and other infrastructure.
Contractor will be permitted to hold light and sound shows and other events for benefit of tourists. Officials said that the state government will authorise district collectors and municipal commissioners to award contracts for privatisation of selected heritage structures. The contracts will be awarded through bidding process. According to officials, the contractor will be required to submit a monetary guarantee with the state government. He will also have to give an undertaking that the heritage structure will not be damaged or altered.
“As and where needed, government will provide viability gap funding to contractor”, Mittra said.
State govt has finalised 30 such heritage structures, which do not fall under the ambit of ASI
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