In a major step towards conservation of the Sun Temple at Konark, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to put it up for adoption by corporate entities. This was informed by Secretary of Union Ministry of Tourism, Rashmi Verma at the inauguration of the 33rd annual convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) here on Friday. Verma said, the Tourism and Culture Ministries will soon launch a new campaign ‘Adopt a Heritage’ under which private organisations will be roped in for sprucing up and maintaining heritage sites and monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the first phase, the Tourism Ministry has decided to put up 116 such monuments and sites for adoption by private organisations, she said, adding that Sun Temple has found place in the list. “More ASI protected monuments from the State will be listed in subsequent phases,”said Verma.