Should corporate entities with no expertise in heritage conservation be allowed to adopt monuments, or is this commercialisation of history? This is the debate raging among history and culture buffs in the state since it broke in late August that UNESCO World Heritage site Elephanta Caves has been adopted by a private company under the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Adopt a Heritage 2.0 scheme. 

Speaking to mid-day, the ASI has for the first time revealed the name of the “Monument Mitr”—Uran-based Mahesh Enterprises and Infra India. Anand Madhukar, ASI’s Additional Director General (administration), confirms, “ASI has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding [MOU] to develop and maintain amenities at Elephanta Caves such as toilet blocks, landscaping, illumination, souvenir kiosk, helpdesk. The aim is to enhance overall visitor experience.”