Mumbai, August 26: Maharashtra is ramping up efforts to preserve forts, ancient temples, and historical monuments across the state. The government has extended the provision to allocate three percent of the district annual plan (general) funds for preservation activities until 2026-27.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar directed officials on Tuesday to expedite preservation efforts using this fund and departmental allocations. During a meeting he chaired, significant decisions were made regarding the conservation of Nandos Fort, Bhagwantgad, and Siddhagad in Sindhudurg district.
A site museum will be established at Nandos Fort, managed by the local gram panchayat. Approval has been granted for a digital survey of Bhagwantgad using modern technology, leading to the preparation of a detailed report. The process to declare Siddhagad as a state-protected monument has also commenced.
Shelar emphasized that precautionary orders have been issued to prevent any illegal excavation or mining within the fort premises until the process is completed.
Through the Archaeology and Museum Directorate’s district annual plan, an estimated ₹441.14 crore has been technically approved for the preservation of 184 monuments statewide. Of these, 161 projects have received administrative approval amounting to ₹372.34 crore, while 52 projects worth ₹105.61 crore have been completed.
Currently, 108 projects worth ₹184.68 crore are underway. Additionally, 108 projects worth ₹627.62 crore have been approved through departmental funds; 16 of these have been completed, and work is ongoing on 86.
The meeting included senior officials from the Cultural Affairs Department, including Tejas Garg, Director of the Archaeology and Museum Directorate, along with district officials and local representatives.
–
SC
Leave a Comment