HAL, NCAP, and ASI Sign MoU for Heritage Site Conservation

The Heritage Conservation Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was formally signed on 13 October 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi. The Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Culture, confirmed the event, which was witnessed by Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Vivek Agarwal. The agreement was executed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Advancement Platform (NCAP), and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). NCAP, established by the Ministry of Culture, facilitates partnerships between the government and corporate sector for the preservation and promotion of India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

• ✓HAL, NCAP, and ASI are the three signatories to the MoA.
• ✓The MoA was signed in the presence of the Ministry of Culture Secretary.
• ✓NCAP serves as the institutional platform enabling government-corporate collaboration in heritage preservation.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has committed financial assistance of ₹23. 60 crore for heritage projects spanning the fiscal years 2026-27 to 2028-29. This allocation reflects HAL's contribution to the conservation and development initiatives outlined in the MoA. The funds will be deployed across the three identified heritage sites under the technical guidance of ASI.

• ✓HAL approved ₹23. 60 crore for projects from FY 2026-27 to 2028-29.
• ✓The financial commitment covers a three-year implementation window.
• ✓HAL's contribution is part of the broader public-private partnership framework.

The MoA targets three major heritage sites for conservation and development: Hampi in Karnataka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh; and Bekal Fort in Kerala. At Hampi, proposed improvements include the historic North and South Market areas, with development works extending approximately 270 metres and 250 metres respectively. At the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort, projects will focus on conservation and site-development works approved in consultation with ASI, ensuring that all interventions adhere to prescribed principles and guidelines.

• ✓Three heritage sites are covered: Hampi, Taj Mahal, and Bekal Fort.
• ✓Hampi improvements include North Market (≈270 m) and South Market (≈250 m).
• ✓Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort projects follow ASI-approved conservation and development works.

All projects under the MoA will be implemented under the technical supervision and guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India.

• ✓ASI provides technical supervision for all projects.
• ✓Works must comply with ASI-prescribed principles and guidelines.
• ✓The oversight aims to balance conservation with enhanced visitor experience.

The proposed initiatives aim to preserve, protect, and improve facilities for tourists at the three heritage sites. By doing so, the MoA promotes the conservation of India's rich cultural heritage and supports sustainable heritage tourism. The signing of the MoA is described as a significant step towards strengthening public-private partnership in the heritage sector and advancing the shared goal of protecting and promoting India's cultural heritage.

• ✓Initiatives aim to preserve, protect, and improve tourist facilities.
• ✓The MoA supports conservation and sustainable heritage tourism.
• ✓The agreement strengthens public-private partnership in the heritage sector.