Encroachments Cleared from Sinhagad Fort in Major Heritage Conservation Drive

Pune, 5th June 2025: In a landmark operation aimed at preserving Maharashtra’s historical and ecological legacy, a seven-day anti-encroachment drive at Sinhagad Fort concluded successfully on Wednesday evening. The coordinated action led to the removal of over 10,000 sq ft of unauthorized constructions, marking a significant milestone in heritage conservation.

The drive was spearheaded by a special task force comprising officials from the District Collector’s office, Forest Department, Archaeology Department, Revenue Department, and Zilla Parishad, following a state government directive to clear encroachments from all forts across Maharashtra by May 31.

Why It Matters:
Sinhagad Fort is not only a treasured tourist destination near Pune but also a vital landmark in Maratha history, renowned for Tanaji Malusare’s valor and the samadhi of Rajaram Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, in recent years, the fort had become overrun with illegal stalls, temporary huts, and unauthorized buildings, raising serious concerns among environmentalists and historians.

The Operation:
District Collector Dr. Jitendra Dudi took direct interest in the initiative and appointed Haveli Sub-Divisional Officer Dr. Yashwant Mane to head the committee overseeing the operation.

Authorities ensured transparency and due process—serving notices, verifying land ownership, and assessing documentation before clearing encroachments from both government and private land.

“This effort is not just about removing encroachments; it’s a decisive step toward the preservation and beautification of Sinhagad,” said Dr. Yashwant Mane. “The site will now remain open to all tourists as we continue efforts to restore and protect it.”

What Was Removed:
Over 10,000 sq ft of illegal construction
Unauthorized permanent and makeshift stalls
Structures on sensitive forest and archaeological land

Next Steps:
Debris clearance from the site
A campaign to make the fort plastic-free and environment-friendly
Improved access and infrastructure for eco-tourism

The successful drive has been widely applauded by heritage activists, trekkers, and local residents, who now hope Sinhagad will emerge as a model fort for sustainable tourism and cultural pride.