21 January,2025 12:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pixabay
An official said on Tuesday that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a crackdown on encroachments at forts across the state, aiming to remove illegal structures by May 31, reported news agency PTI.
The district collectors have been asked to prepare fort-wise lists of encroachments by January 31, the official said, reported PTI.
The chief minister has said that to ensure a systematic approach, district-level committees under the chairmanship of collectors will be formed, and these will oversee the phased removal of encroachments from February 1 to May 31.
He said the government will also set up vigilance committees to prevent future encroachments.
ALSO READ
Woman’s body recovered from waterlogged basement of Dreams Mall in Bhandup
Train firing: Court orders ex-RPF constable be referred to Thane mental hospital
Maharashtra: Woman found murdered in farmland in Nashik district
Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar criticises Jalna authorities over poor cleanliness
Autorickshaw-truck collision in Nashik leaves three dead, two injured
"Public demand for decisive action had been growing, and the government has responded accordingly," Fadnavis said, reported PTI.
Maharashtra is home to 47 forts that are centrally protected, 62 state-protected, and approximately 300 unprotected forts. The initiative aims to preserve the historical and aesthetic significance of these cultural landmarks, reported PTI.
On Monday, the state government issued a government resolution (GR) ordering the formation of committees to address encroachments at forts.
Elaborating on the government's strategy, State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, "The district-level committees will comprise police commissioners, municipal corporation chiefs, forest officers, and representatives from archaeological departments. They will ensure encroachments are addressed efficiently and that law and order is maintained," reported PTI.
He said the committees will meet monthly to review progress and submit regular reports to the state government, reported PTI.
The move comes in light of encroachments at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district.
Shelar said the initiative involves removing existing encroachments and ensuring these historical sites are well-protected for future generations.
Maharashtra has adopted a 360-degree approach in attracting investments with several focus sectors ranging from manufacturing to technology to data centres to healthcare to clean energy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Davos.
Fadnavis, who arrived in this ski resort town to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, told PTI that he has several meetings lined up with potential for fruitful results in terms of investments in his state.
"I started my Davos visit with a meeting with World Economic Forum Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab where we discussed collaboration between WEF and Maharashtra," he said.
"We also discussed clean energy, electric vehicles and several other new-age industries. I'm holding a number of bilateral meetings here, including for potential investments in Maharashtra," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
