Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence public sector undertaking, has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to support conservation and development works at three prominent heritage sites: Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
HAL has accorded in-principle approval for financial support of ₹23.60 crore for the projects over the financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29. The initiatives aim to conserve the heritage sites, improve visitor amenities and promote sustainable heritage tourism.
The agreement was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi on Tuesday in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (HR), signed the MoA on behalf of HAL. Senior officials from HAL, NCF and ASI attended the event.
Conservation and Development at Three Heritage Sites
At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proposed interventions will cover the historic North and South Bazaar areas. The development works will extend approximately 270 metres and 250 metres, respectively.
At the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort, the projects will focus on approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with ASI.
Under the agreement, NCF will facilitate project implementation in coordination with HAL and ASI. ASI will provide technical guidance and supervision to ensure that the works comply with established conservation principles and prescribed norms.
Established by the Ministry of Culture, NCF facilitates partnerships between the government and the corporate sector to conserve and promote India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The initiative reflects HAL’s corporate social responsibility commitment and aims to strengthen collaboration between public institutions and corporate organisations to preserve India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
