Reliance takes up restoration at Champaner, a heritage site

As part of its community development initiatives, the Reliance group is providing financial and infrastructural assistance for developing and promoting Gujarat's first world heritage site Champaner - Pavagadh as a tourist destination.

The protection and conservation project that requires an investment of around Rs 100 crore is being funded by other organisations as well, such as the California-based Global Heritage Fund (GHF), New York World Monument Fund (WMF), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Heritage Trust, a Vadodara-based non government organisation, has taken this initiative and will be working with the Reliance group for promoting the project.

"Reliance will continue to explore opportunities in future for further development of this world heritage site," a Reliance spokesperson said.

According to the trust's president Karan Grover, GHF has pledged a grant of $30,000 if the trust manages to raise twice the amount from India. The American Express-owned WMF has granted $60,000 against an equal amount that the trust raised from the local industry.

The trust has asked the Department of Tourism to pitch in with Rs 5 crore while the government of Gujarat has offered Rs 17 crore towards the project. ASI has also chipped in with Rs 10 lakh.

Kalpana Desai, director, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, said, "The historical, archaeological and architectural significance of the site has been forgotten. With recognition as a World Heritage Site, the former glory of Champaner - Pavagadh, once the powerful and prosperous medieval, pre-Moghul capital of Gujarat, will perhaps be restored."

Over two billion domestic tourists are estimated to visit the site every year, Desai added. She was speaking at an exhibition sponsored by the Reliance group's textile brands Vimal and Harmony.