In order to cater to the needs of growing demand for conservationists, the city-based National Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management (NITHM) will be introducing a one-year diploma course on 'Heritage Conservation/Restoration' from July this year.
"In view of shortage of trained professionals in restoration works, the course will focus on learning on 'Heritage Conservation/Restoration'," Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary to Andhra Pradesh government (Tourism and Archaeology), and Chairman and Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, told reporters here today.
"It is also proposed to appoint a Heritage Conservation Committee for each monument to help the department in the works and also to create awareness among the villagers about our heritage," she said adding one of the members of the Committee will also be given training at NITHM on conservation, restoration and protection of monuments.
Under 14th Finance Commission Grants, proposals for Rs 150 crore have been submitted for conservation of monuments and upgradation of museums and altogether it is proposed to take up 99 works, Khan said.
The Department which has entered into MoU with the Aga Khan Foundation Charitable Trust, has undertaken major works on conservation/renovation of Quli Qutub Shahi tombs here in order to develop it as a 'World Heritage Site' with an outlay of Rs 100 crore over the next 10 years, she said.
Khan said that under the 13th Finance Commission Grants (2011-2015), the department proposed 249 works for an amount of Rs 100 crore and Rs 25 crore was released during 2013 in first phase for taking up conservation and restoration of monuments and museums for 86 works, she said.
