By Milind Mane
Mumbai — Six months after 11 historic forts in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu—associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, serious concerns have emerged over the complete lack of implementation of mandatory conservation and protection norms. Neither the Maharashtra government nor the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has demonstrated the required seriousness, raising fears that continued non-compliance could lead to the withdrawal of World Heritage status for these forts.
Against this backdrop, the issue of unauthorised construction by the Raigad Ropeway company on Raigad Fort is expected to be raised once again at a high-level ASI meeting scheduled in Delhi on 19 December 2025. The meeting, originally fixed for 18 December, has been rescheduled to Friday at 10 a.m., and is likely to prove crucial for the future of Raigad and other forts.
Administrative Vacuum After UNESCO Listing
Following UNESCO recognition, there appears to be no clarity among elected representatives, state officials, or ASI authorities regarding who is responsible for enforcing the prescribed norms. Every country that is a signatory to the World Heritage Convention is obligated to safeguard its cultural and natural heritage. However, Maharashtra’s experience since the inscription reveals an alarming gap between commitment and action.
The forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, were collectively inscribed under the “Maratha Military Landscape of India”. Despite the passage of six months, not a single coordinated review or implementation meeting has been held to chart the post-inscription roadmap.
What Do UNESCO Norms Require?
UNESCO defines 10 criteria for World Heritage Sites—six cultural and four natural. The forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been inscribed under the cultural category, which includes benchmarks such as:
- Exceptional testimony to human creativity
- Representation of significant stages in human history
- Association with traditions or ideas of outstanding universal value
India currently has 42 World Heritage Sites, of which 34 are cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed.
Raigad Ropeway and Unauthorised Construction
According to conservation architect Sonal Chitnis Karanjikar, Raigad Fort fully satisfies UNESCO’s cultural criteria. However, maintaining this status requires disciplined, continuous and technically rigorous compliance, which is impossible without political will.
Despite UNESCO recognition, unauthorised commercial construction by the Raigad Ropeway company has continued, allegedly with tacit support or deliberate inaction by the ASI. Experts warn that if such violations persist, Raigad could be struck off the World Heritage List, an outcome that would be both nationally embarrassing and historically irreparable.
Lost Opportunity for Global Heritage Support
UNESCO recognition could have transformed Raigad into a global heritage destination—bringing international tourists, technical assistance, and scientific conservation support similar to European fort conservation models. Structured excavation under expert supervision could also reveal new historical layers of the Maratha period.
In 2019, the Maharashtra government sanctioned ₹606 crore and established the Raigad Development Authority. While archaeological excavations have begun under ASI guidance, bureaucratic inertia and inter-departmental conflict have stalled progress.
Why Tomorrow’s Meeting Matters
The 19 December Delhi meeting, chaired by the Secretary (Culture), will be attended by:
- Director and Additional Director, ASI
- Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale
- President of the Raigad Development Authority, Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje
The agenda includes:
- Unauthorised construction by Raigad Ropeway
- Pending conservation works on Raigad Fort
- Objections raised by ASI affecting on-ground progress
A formal circular issued by the Ministry of Culture has instructed all concerned officials to attend punctually, underlining the seriousness of the matter.
A Defining Moment for India’s Heritage Governance
Experts believe this meeting must go beyond routine discussion. Failure to act decisively could endanger not just Raigad, but the entire Maratha Military Landscape inscription. The credibility of India’s heritage governance is now under scrutiny—domestically and internationally.
