Maharashtra's Historic Fort Cleanliness Drive Must Become a People’s Movement: Siddhesh Kadam on Shiv Jayanti

The cleanliness, conservation, and preservation of Maharashtra's historic forts must evolve into a people's movement, said Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Chairman Siddhesh Kadam while addressing a special awareness programme on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti at Suvarnadurg Fort.

The programme, titled "Manaacha Mujra, Hataavuya Kachra" (Salute with Respect, Remove the Garbage), was organised as part of a larger state-wide initiative aimed at protecting forts that have received UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Year-Long Cleanliness and Conservation Campaign

Under a concept initiated by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the MPCB will implement the "Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Fort Cleanliness and Conservation Campaign" across the state. The drive will focus on sustained cleanliness, environmental protection, and heritage preservation at 11 historic forts in Maharashtra that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage list.

The forts include:

• Raigad Fort
• Pratapgad Fort
• Vijaydurg Fort
• Sindhudurg Fort
• Rajgad Fort
• Panhala Fort
• Salher Fort
• Lohagad Fort
• Suvarnadurg Fort
• Shivneri Fort
• Khanderi Fort

Cleanliness drives will be conducted throughout the year in collaboration with local social organisations and Shivaji devotees' groups. The MPCB will also provide financial assistance to participating organisations.

Rising Tourism, Growing Waste Challenge

These historic forts attract lakhs of visitors every year. With UNESCO World Heritage recognition, tourist footfall is expected to increase significantly. However, plastic water bottles, snack wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste have posed a serious environmental challenge at these sites.

Officials stressed that maintaining cleanliness standards is crucial not only to preserve the sanctity of these heritage monuments but also to meet UNESCO's annual inspection and quality benchmarks.

Call for Public Participation

The event was attended by Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Dada Kadam, MPCB Member Secretary M. Devender Singh (IAS), and Zilla Parishad member Anna Kadam, among others.

Organised in association with Jai Shivray Pratishthan, Dapoli, the programme witnessed the participation of a large number of Shivaji followers and local citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Siddhesh Kadam said, "These forts are not just historical structures; they are symbols of our pride and heritage. Protecting their sanctity is the responsibility of every citizen. 'Manaacha Mujra, Hataavuya Kachra' must become a collective resolve, not merely a campaign."