Mumbai: A delegation from Maharashtra, led by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, has departed for Paris to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 forts linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
According to an official statement from Shelar's office, the Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO under the theme 'Maratha Military Landscape of India', seeking the inclusion of these 12 forts in the World Heritage List.
The forts of Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi Fort, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu have been included in the proposal. The delegation has been sent as per the directives of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to effectively present the proposal.
Ashish Shelar Expresses Gratitude To Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Shelar expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forwarding the proposal to UNESCO and to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the opportunity to lead the delegation for this significant presentation.
The four-member delegation, including additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge, deputy director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Hemant Dalvi, and architect Shikha Jain, will be in Paris from February 22 to 26, 2025. Through this visit, the delegation aims to deliver the necessary technical and diplomatic presentations to secure the UNESCO tag for these forts.
Shelar emphasised that achieving this status would not only enhance global recognition of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts but also highlight Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage. If these forts are included in the UNESCO list, it will open avenues for their preservation, conservation, and tourism development. This, in turn, will boost the local economy and ensure the protection of Maharashtra’s historical legacy, the minister stated.
