Elephanta Island Mired In Politics Of Heritage
By Manu Shrivastava
In a historic move that marks a seismic shift in India's approach to heritage conservation, Maharashtra’s iconic Elephanta Caves have been adopted by a private firm. This groundbreaking step makes it the first monument in the state to come under the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ambitious 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme.
The adoption, hailed by some as a milestone, is seen by others as a potential Pandora's box. Under this initiative, private corporations are brought in—via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) channels—to shoulder the responsibilities of not only preserving but also enhancing the nation’s cultural legacy.
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| Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
The adopting company is now charged with upgrading and maintaining essential visitor amenities, including refurbishing pathways, building restrooms, and creating shelters for the myriad tourists who visit this venerable site. Elephanta Island, with its ancient fifth to seventh-century rock-cut temples and sculptures venerating Lord Shiva, has long stood as a monument to India’s artistic and cultural grandeur. The inclusion of this UNESCO World Heritage site under ASI’s revamped ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme signals a transformative phase in India’s preservation strategy.
Launched in 2024, this new phase aims to bolster public-private partnerships to manage not only the physical upkeep of these sites but also the overall visitor experience. By sharing financial responsibilities with private entities, the government hopes to alleviate some of the fiscal pressures and elevate heritage management standards.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASI and the private entity clearly defines the latter’s responsibilities—ensuring their role is limited strictly to peripheral amenities, while ticket pricing, entry control, and the actual preservation of the monument remain firmly under government purview. In theory, this delineation creates a balanced framework where heritage sanctity is untouched by corporate influence, while visitor services are enhanced.
However, the reality is far more contentious. The scheme has ignited fierce debates across political and public domains. Proponents argue that such public-private partnerships are a pragmatic solution that eases the taxpayer's burden in heritage conservation. Opponents, however, see it as a slippery slope towards the commodification of national monuments.
Critics have been particularly vocal, accusing the government of "leasing out" India's cultural assets under the guise of adoption and demanding the scheme be revoked. Their argument reflects a deeper fear: that corporate involvement might distort the intrinsic value and purpose of these historic sites, reducing them to mere commercial entities and stripping away their cultural resonance.
This debate harks back to the public outcry of 2018, when the Dalmia Group adopted the Red Fort. Despite government assurances that corporate adopters would be rigorously regulated, concerns lingered that heritage sites could be slowly transformed into commercial hubs. To many, the Red Fort episode was a grim precursor to the current dispute—a cautionary tale underscoring the need for stringent regulations and transparent communication to assuage public apprehension.
For critics of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme, the central question remains: Will India’s national treasures maintain their profound cultural and historical significance, or will they morph into sleek yet soulless tourist attractions? With Elephanta Caves at the forefront, this controversy delves deep into India’s heritage philosophy. The outcome of this programme hinges on finding a delicate balance—one where private entities genuinely aid in the preservation of heritage without merely exploiting it.
Beneath the larger national debate lies a more immediate and visceral anxiety among the local villagers of Elephanta Island. For generations, these communities have depended on tourism as their primary source of income. The arrival of a private firm stirs a pot already boiling with economic distress. The villagers fear that the influx of outside influence will upset the precarious balance of their local economy, potentially squeezing them out of the limited opportunities that currently exist.
A local fisherman voices his apprehension: "Our livelihoods are already strained. If a private company controls the tourist facilities, where does that leave us? We fear they will prioritise profits over our well-being." This sentiment is echoed by many who worry that their small-scale businesses—souvenir shops, local eateries, and boat tours—might be overshadowed or replaced by the facilities managed by the new corporate entrant.
The perception of an uneven playing field is further aggravated by the belief that the adopting firm could leverage this initiative to gain political clout and economic advantages over rivals and non-aligned groups on the island. The private company's involvement is seen not just as an economic threat but as a potential instrument of political influence, one that could realign local power dynamics in ways that disenfranchise the island's long-standing residents.
The entry of a private firm has also intensified existing political rifts within the local governance structures. Political factions accuse one another of either facilitating or opposing the adoption scheme based on vested interests. Allegations of favouritism, corruption, and backdoor deals abound, further polarising the community.
A local political leader, who wished to stay anonymous, remarks, "This adoption scheme is not just about heritage conservation. It's about who controls the narrative and, by extension, the economy of Elephanta. The private firm's entry is seen as a way to marginalise opposition groups and centralise power."
Adding another layer to the controversy is the long-standing issue of Elephanta Island's power supply. For years, local political groups have milked this issue, attempting to earn a fortune from solar lighting and recycled energy projects funded by foreign groups. Despite spending a fortune, these efforts failed to provide a sustainable solution. The lack of a reliable power supply continued to plague the island, affecting both residents and tourists.
It was only in 2018, when the Centre intervened, that the issue was resolved. The government laid India's largest undersea power cable, finally bringing a stable power supply to Elephanta Island. This intervention highlighted the inefficacy of local political manoeuvring and underscored the need for decisive action from higher authorities to address critical infrastructure issues.
As these fears and accusations swirl, the Elephanta Caves adoption scheme stands at a critical juncture. The promise of enhanced preservation and visitor experience must be weighed against the legitimate concerns of local communities and the potential for exploitation and political manipulation.
For the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme to be truly successful, it must address these multifaceted issues. Transparent dialogue between the private firm, government authorities, and local stakeholders is essential. A collaborative approach that includes local voices in decision-making processes can help mitigate fears and ensure that benefits are equitably distributed.
The challenge lies in balancing economic development with cultural preservation and community well-being. As Elephanta Island navigates this complex landscape, the lessons learnt here will be crucial for other heritage sites across India facing similar dilemmas.
The adoption of Elephanta Caves is more than a test of heritage conservation—it is a litmus test for the integrity and inclusivity of India’s approach to preserving its rich cultural mien. The outcome of this initiative will resonate far beyond the island's shores, shaping the future of heritage management in the country.
This article is generated as part of The Elephanta Island Project - A DraftCraft International Initiative focussing on issues affecting Elephanta Island, in particular, and thereby creating a repository of affairs, initiatives and solutions for islands, Across India & Beyond Borders.
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