THREE MONUMENTS ADDED UNDER ADARSH SMARAK SCHEME

THREE MONUMENTS ADDED UNDER ADARSH SMARAK SCHEME

Context:

In Andhra Pradesh, 3 monuments have been identified under the Adarsh Smarak Scheme to give additional amenities and make them more tourist-friendly. These monuments will be provided with additional facilities like a cafeteria, Braille signages, Wi-Fi, an interpretation centre, illumination and others.

3 Monuments under the Adarsh Smarak Scheme:

• Monuments at Nagarjunakonda in Guntur.
• Buddhist remains at Salihundam in Srikakulam.
• Veerabhadra temple (Lepakshi) in Anantapur.

There are around 135 Centrally protected monuments and sites in AP and they are provided with all the amenities.

Adarsh Smarak Scheme:

• This scheme was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2014.
• Under this scheme, improved visitor amenities are given to attract tourists.
• The scheme comes under the purview of the Ministry of Culture.
• Over 100 Monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are being developed and maintained as Adarsh Monuments under the scheme.
• The civic amenities are being augmented at these sites.

Significance of Adarsh Smarak Scheme:

• To make the monument visitor friendly.
• To upgrade/provide washrooms, signages, cafeteria, drinking water and wi-fi facility.
• To provide interpretation and audio-video centres.
• To streamline wastewater and garbage disposal and a rainwater harvesting system.
• To make the monument accessible to differently-abled people.