Tour operators to maintain public amenities at ASI-protected monuments

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for maintenance of public amenities at ASI-protected monuments.

Under the agreement, IATO will refurbish, operate and maintain toilet blocks existing at the centrally protected monuments at Delhi and Agra.

ASI, on its part, will undertake all infrastructure work at its own cost at these toilet blocks to make them user friendly and accessible to the physically disabled.

IATO will then take over the toilet blocks for refurbishing as per prior approval by the director-general, ASI, and for operation and day-to-day maintenance.

IATO plans to undertake operation and day-to-day maintenance through service providers. IATO will bear the cost of inside refurbishments of the said toilet blocks as well as supply of the consumables and shall be wholly responsible for its operation, maintenance and upkeep for a period of 5 years with effect from the date of signing of the agreement.

The service providers appointed by IATO will collect user charge from the users as approved by DG, ASI. Electricity and water will be provided by ASI free of charge for the operation and maintenance of the toilet blocks.