Mumbai: The issue of encroachment on the historical forts of Maharashtra has again come into discussion. The dispute over encroachment on Vishalgarh had given a serious form to this problem. After this, the state government has decided to take concrete steps for the conservation of forts. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has announced that the work of removing encroachment on forts will be done between February 1 and May 31.

Formation of district level committee for conservation of forts

A district level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate to prevent encroachment and conservation of forts. The concerned police officer, Chief Executive Officer of the District Council, Deputy Forest Conservator of Forest Department, officers of the Archaeological Survey of India Department and officers of other related departments will be members in this committee.

Status of forts of Maharashtra

Maharashtra has 47 centrally protected forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while there are 62 state protected forts under the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Apart from this, there are about 300 unprotected forts. Due to encroachment on forts, their cultural importance is decreasing and law and order is also under threat.

Time limit for action

The committee has been directed to prepare a list of encroachment on all forts by 31 January 2025 and submit it to the state government. The encroachment removal campaign will be run between 1 February and 31 May.

Objective and action plan

1. Removal of encroachment from forts.
2. Preserve the beauty of historical heritage and cultural heritage.
3. Adopt strict measures to prevent new encroachment.
4. Pay special attention to the conservation of central and state protected forts.

Responsible institutions and departments

• District Magistrate (Chairman)
• Police Commissioner / District Superintendent of Police
• Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad
• Officer of concerned Forest Department
• Department of Archaeological Survey of India
• State Directorate of Archaeology and Museum

Action as per government’s instructions

The encroachment removal campaign will be intensified under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The committee will have to submit a report of the action taken from time to time to the government.

A big step towards the conservation of forts

This step of the state government will conserve the historical forts of Maharashtra and their cultural heritage will be preserved. The people of the state have also been appealed to support this campaign.

Solapur: Solapur ATS and Barshi Police have achieved great success in a joint operation in Pankajnagar area of ​​​​Barshi city of Maharashtra. In this action, six Bangladeshi citizens living illegally have been arrested.

During the raid, the police have recovered cash worth ₹ 1.41 lakh, mobile phones worth ₹ 46,000 and several fake documents from the accused. These documents were being used as proof of Indian citizenship. Initial investigation has revealed that the accused were living illegally in India for a long time.

This joint action of Solapur ATS and Barshi Police was taken with the aim of curbing illegal activities in the area. According to the police, a case has been registered against the arrested accused under the Indian Passport Act and the Foreigners Act.

Barshi Police said that the purpose behind the stay of these Bangladeshi citizens in India is being investigated. It is also being ascertained whether they are part of any big conspiracy. Intensive interrogation of the accused is going on and the police is ensuring that complete information about their contacts and activities is gathered.

After this incident, concerns about security have also increased among the local people. The police have appealed to the citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity in their surrounding areas.

Mumbai: Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena, saying that abandoning the issue of Marathi Manus and adopting Hindutva was the biggest mistake of Shiv Sena. According to Dalwai, this mistake led to a crisis in Maharashtra and rapid Gujaratisation of Mumbai. He has advised Shiv Sena to raise the Marathi issue again.

He said that at the time of the establishment of Shiv Sena, the issue of Maharashtra and Marathi people was a priority. But later Shiv Sena adopted Hindutva and formed an alliance with BJP and gained power. Dalwai believes that this move benefited BJP and Shiv Sena deviated from its basic principle.

During the formation of Mahavikas Aghadi, Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress formed the government together. However, after the rebellion of Eknath Shinde, the government fell and Shiv Sena split into two factions. After this statement of Dalwai, there is speculation of increasing tension in Mahavikas Aghadi.

Dalwai’s statement has sparked a debate in political circles. Leaders and experts are giving different opinions on whether the advice to Shiv Sena to bring back its old identity is right or not.