By Newsgram Staff Writer

To establish cross cultural linkages and refuel economic ties under "Project Mausam" of the World Heritage Committee, the Government has formulated an action plan for achieving a World Heritage transnational nomination for 'Indian Ocean Maritime Routes', Civil Aviation Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma told Lok Sabha.

The Government has proposed to establish cross cultural linkages and to revive historic maritime cultural and economic ties under 'Project Mausam' with 39 Indian Ocean countries. The 39 countries include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand , Yemen, South Africa, Philippines, Pakistan among others, Civil Aviation Minister said.

The plan aims to promote joint research and selection of appropriate sites to prepare application of trans-national nomination of Maritime Routes & Coastal Cultural Landscape sites. The Standing Financial Committee (SFC) memorandum is under consideration, Sharma said.

To conserve the heritage and culture of India, large corporates like NTPC, ONGC,SAIL , HUDCO , REC , Apeejay Group have come forward and have undertaken various projects like conservation of old ASI monuments, provision of tourist amenities at the historical sites; and intangible projects like capacity building of artisans, training programmes, books publications , cultural events, etc.