New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence public sector undertaking, has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to support conservation and development works at three prominent heritage sites — Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
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HAL has accorded in-principle approval for financial support of Rs 23.60 crore for the projects over the financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29. The initiatives aim to conserve and preserve the heritage sites, improve visitor amenities and promote sustainable heritage tourism.
The MoA has been signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi on Tuesday in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (HR), signed the agreement on behalf of HAL. Senior officials from HAL, NCF and ASI attended the event.
At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proposed interventions will cover the historic North and South Bazaar areas, with development works extending approximately 270 metres and 250 metres, respectively.
The projects at the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort will focus on approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with ASI.
Under the agreement, NCF will facilitate project implementation in coordination with HAL and ASI. The works will be carried out under ASI's technical guidance and supervision to ensure compliance with established conservation principles and prescribed norms.
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Established by the Ministry of Culture, NCF facilitates partnerships between the government and corporate sector for the conservation and promotion of India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The initiative reflects HAL's corporate social responsibility commitment and aims to strengthen collaboration between public institutions and corporate organisations in preserving India's cultural heritage for future generations.
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