Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced in the State Assembly the state’s initiatives to conserve its historic forts. A dedicated Fort Conservation Authority will be set up to manage forts with UNESCO nominations and protect unprotected forts. Currently, there are 54 forts under the Central government and 62 protected by the state.
Minister Shelar mentioned ongoing registration of unprotected forts, with 25 forts within forest areas already documented. A committee led by the Cultural Affairs Department Secretary, Kiran H. Kulkarni, will supervise the new ‘Fort Conservation Authority’. Funding for this endeavor will prioritize private investment, CSR, and initiatives like ‘Maha-Varasa’.
Under the “Maratha Military Landscape of India” concept, 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Plans are underway to develop a site management strategy that includes information boards, public utility centers, and tourism facilities at these locations. Additionally, the historic sword of the founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty has been acquired and will soon be exhibited for public viewing.
Efforts are being made to include Maharashtra’s public Ganeshotsav in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Development meetings for the Jogeshwari Caves are scheduled, and conservation work for Dharamveer Gad and Rajguru Wada will be expedited. State Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai highlighted preparations for branding Maharashtra internationally as a premier tourism state, with a significant budget increase for the Tourism Department.
Desai emphasized plans to promote Maharashtra’s forts, beaches, religious sites, and natural spots globally through special campaigns. The positive response from foreign tourists at the Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani festivals serves as a successful model for showcasing the state’s culture. Development proposals for Vidarbha and a separate roadmap for Konkan’s beaches are also in progress to boost local tourism.
