‘This Is Lohagad Fort, Not Siya Point’: Viral Video Shows Youth Confronting Tourists for Smoking at Lohagad Fort

Lonavala, 30th July 2026: A video purportedly showing a local youth confronting a group of tourists for allegedly smoking cigarettes inside the historic Lohagad Fort has gained widespread attention on social media.

The footage appears to show several visitors smoking within the fort premises. A local resident is seen approaching the group and objecting to their behaviour, stressing that the monument deserves respect because of its historical significance.

In the video, the youth tells the visitors that Lohagad Fort is a symbol of the Maratha Empire’s legacy and not a place where activities such as smoking, consuming alcohol or littering should take place. During the conversation, the tourists are heard saying that they are from Delhi.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear when the incident occurred or whether any action was taken by the authorities against those involved.

Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra’s prominent hill forts and is closely associated with the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. It attracts thousands of tourists and trekkers every year because of its historical importance and architectural heritage.

The viral video has sparked discussions online about the need for responsible tourism at heritage sites. Local residents and history enthusiasts have urged visitors to preserve the fort’s cleanliness, avoid activities that could damage its sanctity and respect its historical significance.

They have also expressed concern over the growing trend of promoting sections of historic forts on social media using catchy or unofficial names, arguing that such references can dilute the site’s historical identity.

According to local residents and fort conservation enthusiasts, Lohagad should be recognised primarily for its rich historical legacy and its contribution to Maratha history rather than being identified by unofficial names or social media trends.