Maharashtra forms panels to safeguard ancient forts

Maharashtra forms panels to safeguard ancient forts

Sub: History

Sec:  Art and Architecture

Context:

• The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has announced the formation of district-level committees to protect ancient forts in Maharashtra from encroachment.
• By January 31, the committees are required to prepare a comprehensive list of all encroachments and submit it to the government.

Objective:

• The primary objective of these committees is to remove existing encroachments on forts and prevent future encroachments and ensure the proper preservation of these forts.
• The committees will operate at the district level and will address concerns regarding the structural integrity of forts and also ensure the enforcement of law and order at these historical sites.

Significance of the move:

• Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally-protected forts, under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 State-protected forts, managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
• These forts are a vital part of the State’s cultural legacy and require robust measures to ensure their conservation and preservation.

Some Important forts in Maharashtra: