ASI undertakes conservation and management of Seven Maratha Forts in Maharashtra

Ministry of Culture ASI undertakes conservation and management of Seven Maratha Forts in Maharashtra Site Management Plan for Shivneri Fort includes conservation, visitor facilities and community outreach Posted On: 16 MAR 2026 5:43PM by PIB Mumbai Mumbai, 16 March 2026 The Government has prepared and submitted Site Management Plans for twelve forts, including Shivneri Fort, to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as part of the nomination dossier for inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025. The Site Management Plans outline a comprehensive framework for conservation, infrastructure development, visitor management and community engagement for the nominated forts. Major Deliverables under the Site Management Plan Short Term (6 months – 2 Mid Term (2 – 5 years) Lon years) Administrative structure, Site Excavation, Conservation, Site infrastructure, Co infrastructure, Interpretation and Mobility plan, Interpretation and visitor C visitor management management, Disaster and risk management, Community outreach There is no separate budget allocated for individual sites under the nomination. Funds are allocated to field offices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are utilised as per the requirements of monuments and sites under their jurisdiction. Expenditure on Conservation Works at Shivneri Fort Year Expenditure 2023–24 ₹2.13 Crore 2024–25 ₹2.82 Crore 2025–26 (as on 12.03.2026) ₹1.65 CroreThe proposed buffer area for Shivneri Fort is already protected by the Maharashtra Forest Department. The proposed buffer will not adversely affect the traditional livelihoods or housing rights of residents of Junnar. UNESCO has not mandated the appointment of a dedicated site manager for serial nominations. Out of the 11 forts located in Maharashtra under the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ nomination, seven forts, including Shivneri Fort, are managed by the Mumbai Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India, which is responsible for their conservation and management. The remaining four forts are under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. * * * PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBMu mbai /pibmumbai (Release ID: 2240848) Visitor Counter : 20 Read this release in: Marathi