National Monument - Renovation

"Preserving history's whispers, breathing new life into our shared heritage."

Fort - National Monument - Renovation

Reviving History - Renewing Pride

Raigad Fort - Conservation, Renovation & Tourism Development Project.

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the Raigad fort from Nizam dynasty on 6 th April ,1656. Due to its inaccessibility and proximity with sea coast ,it is called as Gibraltar of East and was selected as the Capital of Maratha Empire "Swaraj". Historically and archaeologically, it is the most important place for following reasons.
  • The capital of Swaraj
  • Coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • The Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • The Samadhi of Raj mata Jija bai at Pachad, foot hill of Raigad.

      • Archeology survey of India has declared Raighad fort as National Monument. There are certain restrictions as it is a Protected area .Raigad Fort is the pride and inspiration for all of us and it needs to be renovated, conserved. I took over the charge as Divisional Commissioner, Konkan and I took an initiative to prepare a detailed Master Plan in consultation with ASI, Forest ,PWD for Restoration ,Conservation and Tourism development to the tune of Rs. 568.48 Crs.

The plan includes as follow :

  1. Conservation and Restoration works to be carried out by ASI on Raigad fort, Jijamata palace, jijamata samadhi which includes the restoration of monument , stone pathway on the fort and approaches ,doors ,toilets signage . =117.80 Crs.
  2. Electrification, landscaping , Sound and light show at Raigad fort and Jijamata samadhi =55.87 Crs.
  3. Tourism works include the Shivshrusti , tourist facility centre =79.91 Crs.
  4. Strengthening of main approach roads to Raigad Fort = 206.04 Crs.

  1. Land acquisition for Shivshrushti and tourist centre at Pachad= 25Crs.
  2. Ropeway= 50Crs
  3. Contingency expenses and consultancy fees = 28.86Crs.
  4. Total= Rs 563.48 Crs. The work of approach road has decided to be taken over by National Highway .

Government of Maharashtra has sanctioned the above plan and has released Rs 80 Crs. primarily for Restoration
Conservation of the Raighad fort. The works namely footpath approaches and excavation are carried out.
Special work force is deployed for restoration and conservation of Raigad Fort under the supervision of Central ASI.
Raigad Development Authority has been formed under the Chairmanship of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje by the Govt.
of Maharashtra . I have been appointed as a Member. It was one of memorable Initiative taken by me to prepare
master plan for Restoration and Conservation of Raigad Fort and Tourism development .

Shivneri Fort - Conservation, Renovation & Tourism Development Project.

Shivneri Fort is a Birth place of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It covers 110 hactres. Restoration and Development plan of Shivneri Fort was sanctioned by the Government of Maharashtra in 2003 with the cost of Rs.96 cr. I had an opportunity to implement this plan during the period 2004-08 as a Collector of Pune, being the Chairman of Executive Committee.

It comes under the Central Archeological survey of India. We spent about Rs.40 cr. mainly for Restoration of Birth place, Main Entrance, Footpath, Restoration of wall and Buruj, Tree plantation, Water Conservation, Repair of water tanks, Shivaidevi temple and tourism activities which includes Shivsrushti, Residential facilities and drinking water supply for tourists. It was an unique experience to renovate and conserve such a great Historical important Fort of Swarajya.