Corporate takeover of India’s landmark Red Fort alarms historians – The Washington Post

Corporate takeover of India’s landmark Red Fort alarms historians : The Washington Post

Written by Vidhi Doshi | NEW DELHI |  Published May 4 2018

The historic Red Fort in the center of New Delhi has been “adopted” by Indian conglomerate Dalmia Bharat Group, sparking fresh outrage over the government’s mishandling of India’s centuries-old heritage.

As part of a $3.7 million deal, Dalmia will be responsible for keeping the 17th century fort clean and maintaining tourist infrastructure such as signs, toilets and lights for the next five years. A clause in the agreement says the company cannot profit directly from the deal by charging tourists, but Dalmia’s name will appear on signs — giving the company prominence at one of India’s most visited tourist sites.

Conservationists and historians have said that handing over responsibility for such an important monument — once the residence of India’s long-reigning Mughal rulers and the political center of their empire — could cause irreparable damage to the country’s historical treasures…

24 state monuments identified for ‘adopt a heritage’ scheme
Vimal Bhatia | TNN | Updated: May 4, 2018, 07:12 IST

While Anger Over Red Fort ‘Handover’ Grows, MoU Doesn’t Mention Conservation
Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar | The Wire | May 4, 2018

National treasures for commerce
DECCAN CHRONICLE | Published May 4, 2018, 12:43 am IST

Red Fort upkeep sparks battle between right wing and Marxist historians
Jeevan Prakash Sharma | The Hindustan Times | New Delhi | Updated: May 03, 2018 10:50 IST

Historians seek review of Red Fort contract
Vikas Pathak | The Hindu | MAY 02, 2018 23:05 IST

Heritage at stake
The Indian Express | Editorial | Updated: May 3, 2018 12:15:50 am