Committee To Protect The Ancient Forts Of Maharashtra From Encroachment

Maharashtra boasts a remarkable heritage of ancient, rugged forts, strategically situated along the coast and amidst the stunning Ghats. To protect this invaluable cultural legacy, the Mahayuti government is taking a significant step by forming district-level committees dedicated to safeguarding these historical sites from encroachment. On January 18, State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that these committees will not only address and eliminate current encroachments but will also implement measures to prevent future threats to these iconic forts across the state.

“Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally-protected forts, under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 state-protected forts, managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums,” the Minister said. “These forts are a vital part of the state’s cultural legacy and require robust measures to ensure their conservation and preservation and to prevent encroachments on these forts.”

A District-Level Committee

The minister raised concern over reports of encroachments affecting both our protected and unprotected forts. These sites hold immense historical value, and the integrity of their structures, along with public safety, is at risk. To tackle these pressing concerns, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will initiate the formation of a district-level committee dedicated to preserving the sanctity of these historic sites and enforcing law and order.

The district-level committee, led by the district collector, will encompass a diverse group of leaders. This committee includes the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, the District Superintendent of Police, the Municipal Commissioner, and the Chief Officers of Municipal Councils, Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats. Additionally, it features the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the Superintendent of Archaeology, and the Assistant Director of Archaeology from the Maharashtra Directorate of State Archaeology and Museums. Furthermore, a representative from the Regional Port Authority of the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the Resident Deputy Collector will also be vital members.

The committee will review and prepare a detailed list of encroachments for each fort and submit this report to the government by January 31, Shelar stated. From February 1 to May 31, the task of removing these encroachments must be carried out in a timely manner, with regular progress reports submitted to the government throughout this period. After the encroachments have been removed, the committee must implement measures to prevent any future encroachments on these forts. The minister emphasised that, to maintain accountability and transparency, the committee should hold monthly meetings to review progress and submit their reports to the government.

A UNESCO Nomination

In January 2024, India had nominated the "Maratha Military Landscapesd" for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list for the 2024-25 cycle. This network of forts highlights the strategic military significance of the Maratha Empire and showcases its storied past. The nomination encompasses 12 essential components, including the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, alongside Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. UNESCO World Heritage sites around the globe are considered to be a location possessing outstanding universal value that has either natural or cultural significance.