Special Correspondent
Pune: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reaffirmed the Maharashtra government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by removing all encroachments from his historic forts. Speaking at the Shiv Jayanti celebrations at Shivneri Fort, Fadnavis emphasized the cultural and historical importance of these sites, stating that they are as revered as temples.
“The government has been actively engaged in fort conservation efforts, particularly at significant sites like Raigad, the capital of Swarajya, and Shivneri, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. To ensure the protection of these forts, a special task force has been established, which will work towards preventing future encroachments,” he announced.
Fadnavis further revealed that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, twelve forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj have been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Highlighting their architectural ingenuity, advanced water conservation techniques, and environmental significance, he stated that these forts would be presented at the upcoming UNESCO General Assembly in Paris.
“We are confident that these forts will receive global recognition, attracting tourists from across the world. Additionally, in the next five years, we will mark the 400th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with grand celebrations and continued development of historical sites,” he added.
Reflecting on Shivaji Maharaj’s unparalleled contribution to India’s history, Fadnavis spoke about his resistance against the Mughal Empire and his vision for Swarajya. He credited Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, for instilling a sense of duty and leadership in him, which led to the unification of people from diverse backgrounds into a formidable force.
“Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals continue to inspire 1.4 billion Indians today. He is more than just a historical figure—he is a symbol of resilience and national pride,” Fadnavis remarked.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the state government’s dedication to upholding Shivaji Maharaj’s governance principles. “Every visit to Shivneri Fort fills us with immense inspiration. These forts are globally renowned, and the government is planning to develop a dedicated tourism circuit to enhance visitor experience,” he stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that the conservation of these historic forts remains a top priority and that there would be no financial constraints in preserving them. “The forts of Shivaji Maharaj are our heritage and strength. The government is actively working on developmental projects at Shivneri, Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhgad, Purandar, and several other forts to ensure their preservation,” he confirmed.
The event was attended by prominent state leaders, MLAs, and officials, and featured cultural performances, tributes, and historical enactments honoring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
