The state of Maharashtra is getting a help to preserve its old forts. Two old forts in Maharashtra will get a total of ₹21 crore to fix and restore them. This money is news to people who study history and those who work to preserve old things. However officials are worried that they do not have staff to take care of the forts in the long run.
These forts are very important to the history of the Maratha people. Are amazing examples of old architecture. Many tourists visit these forts every year. Two of the famous forts are Raigad Fort and Sindhudurg Fort, which are closely linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Restoration Plans in Motion
The ₹21 crore will be used to fix the structures of the forts make the walls stronger improve the drainage systems and restore the gates and paths. Experts who preserve things say that the weather plants growing in the wrong places and many tourists have made the forts weaker over time.
Officials say that some of the money will also be used to make the forts safer and easier for tourists to visit. This includes putting up signs building safety rails and making the paths easier to walk on. The goal is to find a balance between letting people visit the forts and preserving them.
People who care about things have been asking for more money to preserve the forts for a long time. They say that the forts in Maharashtra are very important to the states culture and history.
Staff Shortage Raises Concerns
Even though the government is giving money to preserve the forts officials know that they do not have staff to take care of them. Many jobs are empty including guards and people who preserve things.
Without staff to watch over the forts and take care of them there is a risk of vandalism people building things they should not and the forts getting weaker. A senior official said that while money can help fix the structures taking care of them every day requires staff. The official said that preserving things is not something you do once and then forget about. You have to keep watching over the forts all the time.
Tourism vs. Preservation
Raigad Fort and Sindhudurg Fort are very popular with tourists during holidays and when it rains. While tourism brings in money and helps people learn about the forts many tourists can hurt the old structures.
Experts who preserve things say that the government should hire guards who know about the forts limit the number of tourists who can visit and get the local community involved to help take care of the forts.
Local people think that creating jobs around fort tourism could help solve the problem of not having staff and also help the local economy.
Way Forward
Experts say that the ₹21 crore is a start but it must be followed by hiring more staff getting expert help and making long-term plans to preserve the forts. They also recommend checking the structures making digital records and using modern techniques to preserve the forts.
The forts, in Maharashtra are not old military buildings they are also symbols of the states pride and identity. To preserve them the government will need to do more than just give money it will need to make sure that the work is done properly and that there are staff to take care of the forts.
As the restoration work starts everyone will be watching to see how well the state can use the money and make sure that the forts are preserved. Maharashtras forts, including Raigad Fort and Sindhudurg Fort will get the help they need to stay strong for a time. The forts are Maharashtras heritage and Maharashtras heritage is the forts.
