Gopalgad Fort dispute: 15-day deadline set for report on ownership and legal status, says Maharashtra minister

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 FortThe 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 fortThe 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 SubDivisional Officer Guhagar Tehsildar and other officials concerned who joined through videoconferencingShelar 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 detailThe 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 Angrersquos naval system He noted that the fortrsquos 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 addedShelar 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 evidenceHe instructed the Ratnagiri District Collector to submit a comprehensive factual report within 15 days after reviewing all aspects of the caseRaigad Fort works under review joint inspection to finalise development planA 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 TuesdayHe 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 AuthorityThe 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 ASIDuring 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 Queenrsquos Quarters is in its final stage officials saidIt was also informed that desilting and leakage prevention works at Hatti Talav Elephant Tank are in progressDiscussions were also held on sanitation facilities within the fort area and issues related to maintenance and water supply