Pune: Sinhagad Cycling Race Sparks Row, Archaeology Department to Act Against Organisers

Pune, 27th October 2026: A downhill mountain biking competition held at the historic Sinhagad Fort on Sunday has triggered a controversy, with the forest department stating that organisers violated the conditions of permission and the state archaeology department deciding to initiate action for conducting the event without its approval.

The competition, organised by Zoravan and promoted as a test of speed, courage and endurance, featured 28 riders from nine countries, including Brazil’s Douglas and India’s Virendra Mali. Following events in Sikkim and Ladakh, the competition was held at Sinhagad, with the advertised route covering stretches from Sinhacha Caves, the Maruti temple and other areas.

However, the event drew criticism from tourists and fort enthusiasts after cyclists raced along the fort’s pathways and steps on a Sunday morning, when the historic site was crowded with visitors.

The forest department had granted permission to ZLS Downhill Mountain Biking Pune to organise the race along the Sinhagad trail from October 22 to 25, subject to several conditions, including measures to protect the forest area and wildlife. However, officials said the organisers violated the prescribed rules and had not informed them that the race would begin from inside the fort.

The race reportedly started on the steps inside the Pune Darwaza, temporarily blocking access to the gateway for tourists who had trekked up the trail as well as those who had arrived in vehicles. The disruption inconvenienced visitors, prompting complaints that the event had been conducted in a hazardous manner.

The controversy has also triggered opposition from activists and fort enthusiasts, who questioned the use of a historically significant site for commercial sporting events. They clarified that their objection was not to sporting competitions themselves, but to activities that could compromise the fort’s heritage, tourist safety and local interests.

“Sinhagad is not merely a tourist destination; it is a symbol of the valour of Swarajya. Protecting its sanctity is true devotion to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” activists said, urging the administration to reconsider permissions for such events at historically sensitive locations.

They also alleged that the organisers had misused the permission granted by the forest department by taking the competition inside the fort.

Forest Range Officer Manoj Barbole said the organisers had obtained permission from the forest department but violated the conditions imposed on them.

“They had not informed us that the race would begin from the fort. We will take further action as required,” Barbole said.

Assistant Director of the State Archaeology Department Vilas Vahane said the organisers had not obtained the department’s permission before conducting the event.

“Sinhagad is a historic monument, and any activity that could damage its structures is inappropriate. We will examine the details of the permission granted by the forest department and take action against those responsible,” Vahane said.

The organisers could not be contacted for their response.