Packaged water maker, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under their ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ aiming to revive water bodies at the heritage sites within the premises of the national monument sites.
To begin with, four historic water bodies namely Chand Baori in Abhaneri, Baori at Neemrana, Padma and Rani Talabs at Ranthambore Fort and Budha Budhi Pond at Kalinjar Fort will be adopted under its CSR initiatives.
These historically significant water bodies will undergo extensive efforts, including desilting, cleaning, ecological revival, and landscaping. The rejuvenation project will be implemented in phases, ensuring minimal disruption while prioritizing the integrity of these historical sites. Additionally, informative signages will be installed to enhance both tourism and local community engagement.
The MoU was formally signed by Zulfeqar Ali, Director of ASI, Union Culture Ministry and Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International. The MoU was then exchanged between Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General of ASI, and George.
The move comes amid concerns that some private drinking companies have been rampantly indulged in illegal extraction of groundwater. In fact, a case was filed last year against two companies in Tamil Nadu when villagers from two villages held a protest against the illegal extraction in their region.