Raigad Fort water supply project to get government approval, says Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday announced that the Maharashtra government would approve a drinking water supply project for Raigad Fort to address the longstanding shortage of potable water at the historic siteSpeaking at the 353rd coronation anniversary celebrations of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj held at Raigad Fort according to the traditional calendar Shinde also said the state government would stand by farmers if the delayed monsoon creates difficulties during the agricultural seasonHe further stated that financial assistance under the Ladki Bahin scheme would continue and would not be discontinuedWater supply project for Raigad FortAddressing the gathering Shinde said Raigad Fort occupies a special place in Maharashtras history and identity He described it as a symbol of selfrespect and said the government had decided to approve a water supply project to ensure adequate drinking water facilities for visitors and residents associated with the fortHe said the annual coronation celebrations continue to draw thousands of devotees because of their historical significance Referring to the original coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 353 years ago Shinde said the occasion remains an enduring symbol of selfrule and public welfareAnnual celebrations have grown over the yearsThe Deputy Chief Minister recalled that the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray had encouraged celebrating the coronation anniversary according to the traditional calendar While the event is also commemorated on the Gregorian calendar date he said devotees continue to participate enthusiastically in both observancesHe credited Minister Bharat Gogawale and his associates with initiating the annual celebration nearly three decades ago According to Shinde the event originally organised by the Raigad Shivrajyabhishek Day Celebration Committee and Konkan Kada Mitra Mandal later received official recognition from the state government and has grown into a major annual celebrationShivaji Maharajs governance continues to inspireShinde said Raigad Fort was the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swarajya and laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire He described the coronation as a defining historical event that established an independent kingdom after years of foreign ruleHighlighting Shivaji Maharajs administration Shinde said the ruler promoted justice public welfare and efficient governance without discrimination He said Shivaji Maharaj ensured the dignity and safety of women strengthened the navy and military developed an effective justice system and promoted environmental conservation These principles he added continue to inspire future generationsShinde also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for incorporating the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj into the Indian Navys new logo saying the move had helped showcase Shivaji Maharajs legacy on a global platformSupport for farmers and ongoing heritage projectsReferring to the current monsoon season Shinde said that although rainfall has been delayed the government would stand firmly with farmers if adverse conditions developHe also recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister the state government approved the Shivsrushti project and said work on it has continued under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra FadnavisShinde noted that Raigad Fort along with 11 other forts in Maharashtra has been included in UNESCOs World Heritage List describing the recognition as an important step in promoting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj internationally