Parliament Question: Conservation of Shivneri Fort

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3869 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026 CONSERVATION OF SHIVNERI FORT 3869. DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the details of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the permanent conservation of Shivneri Fort following its inscription in July 2025; (b) the details of the specific central budget allocated/being allocated for the year 2026-27 to upgrade tourist infrastructure and interpretation centres at Shivneri to meet international standards as required by the 47th World Heritage Committee session; (c) whether the Government has formulated a policy to ensure that the "Buffer Zone" regulations do not adversely affect the traditional livelihoods and housing rights of the local residents of Junnar; and (d) the status of the appointment of a dedicated Site Manager and a professional conservation team as mandated by UNESCO for serial nominations? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) The Government has prepared and submitted Site Management Plans for all twelve forts, including Shivneri Fort, to the World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, during the nomination process for the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025. Details of major deliverables are as follows: Short Term Mid Term Long Term (6 months - 2 years) (2-5 years) (5-10 years) Administrative Excavation, Conservation, structure, Conservation, Community Site Infrastructure, Site Infrastructure, Outreach Interpretation and Mobility Plan, Visitor Management Interpretation and Visitor Management, Disaster and Risk Management, Community OutreachThere is no separate budget allocated for any sites. Although, budget is allocated to all the field offices of ASI, which is, then utilized as per the requirement at the sites under the jurisdiction of these field offices. (b) Expenditure incurred at Shivneri Fort during the last three years is as follows: 2025-26 Year 2023-24 2024-25 (As on 12.03.2026) Shivneri Fort 2.13 Cr. 2.82 Cr. 1.65 Cr. The proposed buffer area for Shivneri is already protected by the Forest (c) Department, Government of Maharashtra. It will not adversely affect the traditional livelihoods and housing rights of the local residents of Junnar. UNESCO has not mandated the appointment of a dedicated site manager for serial (d) nominations. Out of 11 forts in the state of Maharashtra under the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’, seven forts, including Shivneri Fort, are managed by the Mumbai Circle of the ASI, which is responsible for the Conservation and Management of the Property, whereas remaining four forts are managed under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. *****