02 June,2026 09:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar chairs a review meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday to assess the ongoing works under the Raigad Fort Development and Tourism Plan. PIC/X
A comprehensive plan for the development and upkeep of Raigad Fort will be finalised after a joint site inspection of all the departments concerned, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said on Tuesday.
He has directed officials from the archaeology department, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), public works department, zilla parishad, and the district administration to jointly inspect the Raigad Fort area and assess development works, public amenities, sanitation facilities, water supply arrangements, and the functioning of the Raigad Development Authority.
The directive was issued during a review meeting chaired by Shelar at Mantralaya to assess ongoing works under the Raigad Fort Development and Tourism Plan. The meeting was attended virtually by Raigad Development Authority Chairman Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Deputy Secretary of Revenue Department Sanjay Dharurkar, Deputy Secretaries Nanda Raut and Mahesh Vavhal, Director of Archaeology Dr Tejas Garge, along with senior officials from the district administration, zilla parishad, and ASI.
During the review, officials presented updates on conservation and development works being carried out at the fort. Work on the Shirkai Temple, Mahadarwaza (Main Gate), and Wagh Darwaja (Tiger Gate) is currently underway, while restoration of the Rani Vasahat (Queen's Quarters) is in its final stage, officials said.
It was also informed that desilting and leakage prevention works at Hatti Talav (Elephant Tank) are in progress.
Discussions were also held on sanitation facilities within the fort area and issues related to maintenance and water supply.
Shelar directed that the joint inspection be carried out at the earliest and a factual status report be submitted. Based on the findings, a follow-up meeting will be held at Mantralaya to take decisions on key issues including the autonomy of the Raigad Development Authority, funding availability, maintenance mechanisms, management of public amenities and the responsibilities of various departments.
The minister said the objective is to ensure coordinated planning and effective execution of development works at the historic fort site.
Last month, the Maharashtra government approved development and conservation projects worth Rs 993.72 crore for pilgrimage centres, forts and historical sites across the state.
The decision was taken by an apex committee chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The projects focus on preservation of heritage structures, tourism infrastructure development and improved facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
The approvals come as part of the state's broader push to strengthen heritage conservation and tourism-linked infrastructure across Maharashtra.
