Pune: In a significant move welcomed by trekkers and history enthusiasts, Pune’s iconic Sinhagad Fort reopened to tourists on June 5—just in time for the upcoming Shivrajyabhishek Day celebrations. The reopening follows an extensive anti-encroachment operation carried out by the Forest Department to restore and safeguard the historic landmark.
As part of the drive, authorities removed over 20,000 square feet of unauthorized structures, which included illegally built stalls, eateries, and residential units. The demolition process, which began on May 29, required temporary suspension of tourist entry to ensure safety and allow the work to proceed without disruption.
In addition to clearing encroachments, officials took preventive steps against landslides by removing unstable rock formations along the route to the fort. By the evening of June 4, all safety measures and debris clearance had been completed, paving the way for the fort’s official reopening to the public.
Yashwant Mane, Sub-Divisional Officer of Haveli, emphasized that restricting tourist access was a necessary measure to maintain safety and streamline the clearing operations. With the fort now secured and restored, visitors are once again welcome to explore the site.
The large-scale cleanup was undertaken in response to a state government directive mandating the removal of encroachments from all forts across Maharashtra by May 31. This marks the first time such an extensive demolition effort has been successfully conducted at Sinhagad, making it a landmark initiative in heritage conservation.
With Shivrajyabhishek Day being observed on June 6, thousands of devotees and admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are expected to visit the fort. Authorities have confirmed that all arrangements are in place to ensure a clean, secure, and well-managed experience for visitors.
To further protect the fort’s ecology and historical significance, the administration has implemented strict new regulations for tourists. As of June 1, all plastic items have been banned within the fort premises. Additionally, a refundable deposit system has been introduced for plastic water bottles—visitors will pay a deposit when entering, which will be refunded upon returning the empty bottle at the designated exit points.
Tourists are also encouraged to support the government’s efforts by maintaining cleanliness and respecting the sanctity of the site. These measures form part of a wider state-led campaign to protect Maharashtra’s historic forts from environmental degradation due to rising tourism.
Sub-Divisional Officer Mane has issued firm directives to relevant departments to enforce these rules consistently and prevent future encroachments, ensuring that Sinhagad remains preserved for future generations.
