02 June,2026 10:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar chairs a review meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday. PIC/X
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has directed the Ratnagiri District Collector to submit a detailed report within 15 days after conducting a comprehensive study on the ownership rights, legal status and conservation issues related to the historic Gopalgad Fort.
The direction was issued during a meeting chaired by Shelar at Mantralaya, where detailed discussions were held on the ownership dispute, ongoing legal proceedings, archaeological significance, and the possibility of acquisition of the fort.
The meeting was attended by Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Deputy Secretary of the Revenue Department Sanjay Dharurkar, Deputy Secretaries Nanda Raut and Mahesh Vavhal, Director of Archaeology Dr Tejas Garge, along with the Ratnagiri District Collector, Chiplun Sub-Divisional Officer, Guhagar Tehsildar, and other officials concerned who joined through video-conferencing.
Shelar said that given the historical importance of Gopalgad Fort, there is a need to examine its private ownership status and trace its original historical records. He said the fort belongs to the Maratha period and stressed the importance of examining available archival records, auction proceedings, evacuee property status, and related documents in detail.
The minister further said that the fort played an important role during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later became a key centre in Admiral Kanhoji Angre's naval system. He noted that the fort's strategic coastal location and its role in maritime security and western coastal defence make it historically significant. Its unique architectural style also adds to its archaeological importance, he added.
Shelar said that since the matter is currently sub judice due to the removal of alleged encroachments by the administration, no hasty decision should be taken. He directed officials to carefully examine all legal aspects, including documents related to its declaration as evacuee property, procedural history, and available evidence.
He instructed the Ratnagiri District Collector to submit a comprehensive factual report within 15 days after reviewing all aspects of the case.
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.
