Forts Tourism: A Win-Win Solution?
Maharashtra is blessed with lush green mountains with a series of impenetrable forts holding strong for centuries. Unfortunately, the present conditions leave a lot to be desired, with Governments not paying adequate attention to the upkeep and maintenance of forts. Rohit Harip tries to find out ways to deal with this alarming situation
Maharashtra is embellished with a series
of forts in the ranges of Sahyadri
which have been flaunting the flag of bravery of our ancestors and are the
sample of classic architectural edifices since centuries. In the history of
India, it was only the Maratha Empire which fought with the British till the
end. The Role of these forts was magnificent in
those battles. It was very easy for any Commander to control a territory
around any fort with only a fistful of soldiers. (Umaji Naik’s insurrection at Prabalgad near Panvel was an instance of
such a mutiny in 18th century). The British were clever governors and
understood the strategic significance of these forts. Hence, the British
destroyed all the entrance routes and pathways of these forts with heavy
artillery firing and shelling. This is the main reason why forts in Maharashtra
are in a ruined state as opposed to forts in Rajasthan and Delhi, which are in
good condition. Since then, these forts have been standing in the ranges of Sahyadri quietly. The place where our
forefathers shed their blood for keeping their freedom intact, sadly, has
become a “love bird” spot for couples and a joint for alcoholics.
Tourism is not merely a source of gaining
profit. It is also the medium to exhibit our uniqueness to the outside world.
Currently, there are around 350 forts in Maharashtra. Nature has freely given
them a treasury of scenic beauty. Out of these 350 forts, only 28 forts are
enlisted in the conservation list of the State Government and the
archaeological department; remaining forts are still in a state of ruin,
waiting for restoration.
This scenario can be changed with the
help of an appropriate Tourism policy. It will help in conserving our forts;
and will increase the awareness regarding their environmental and cultural
importance. For this purpose, initially we have to understand two things. -
Firstly why forts are important to us and secondly how we can
conserve them as our national heritage. Answer to the first question is very
simple. As I mentioned earlier, these forts are not ruined edifices but they
are symbols of our history and bravery. The Answer of to the
second question is quite lengthy which I will try to explain
below. There are four factors i.e. economy, environment, history
and scope of adventurous sports which are closely related to forts. Let’s look them one by one.
Adventurous sports activities: If we observe the location of these ancient
forts, we realise that most of them are situated in dense forests and hilly
terrains of the Sahyadri Mountain
ranges, which are impassable for the common people. Apart from inhabitants,
only hikers and physically fit people are able to reach there. If we realize
the importance of this characteristic, these forts can become a hub for
mountaineering sports like rock climbing, rappelling and valley crossing. There
are Pinnacles like Tel-Baila, Baan, Kalay
Ray, Khada Parasi and Lingana which are challenging for the climbers.
Scope for the Historical and Cultural tourism: As we know, in Maharashtra, the great Shivaji
Maharaj is considered as a God; he established ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ in Maharashtra. The forts were pillars of
Shivaji Maharaj’s kingdom. Without them, it was impossible for him to establish
his kingdom. Unfortunately, apart from the 28 forts included in the
archaeological list, the remaining are in a bad condition, waiting for the
amelioration by Government. Various tourism facilities such as accommodation,
eateries, toilets, information centres, and museums can be developed at such
places. By identifying and promoting state’s folk arts and crafts, we can
revive our culture.
Acknowledging the importance of our
forts, there are some NGOs working for the conservation of forts. Trek Kshitij,
Durg Savardhan , Shivaji Trail are examples of these NGOs which are working on
their own without expecting any kind of aid from the Government. Though the
magnitude of their work is small scale, it is necessary that someone takes an
initiative. These NGOs are doing this.
When I met with Mr. Milind Kshirsagar, founder of 'Shivaji Trail' to know more about their project, he explained his vision and their work in the field of fort conservation.
When I met with Mr. Milind Kshirsagar, founder of 'Shivaji Trail' to know more about their project, he explained his vision and their work in the field of fort conservation.
Shivaji Trail and its contribution in to Fort Conservation;
Shivaji
Trail is an organisation working for the conservation of forts since
1985 under the guidance of Milind Kshirsagar and well known actor Dr. Amol
Kolhe. In 2011, Shivaji Trail has selected two forts- Ghangad from
Lonavala tehsil and Chavand from Junnar-
for their conservation project. They have built steps from the village at the
base to the entrance of the Fort Ghangad to facilitate the way which was in a
ruined condition. They have also set up a ladder at the entrance of Ghangad,
where initially there was a rock patch that was impossible to climb. Now,
because of the ladder, we can easily climb up through the rock patch. Shivaji Trail also arranges the NSS camps of
different schools at Ghangad every year and more than 200 students participate
in conservation work and tree plantation projects through voluntary work. Shivaji Trail is an NGO and it does not get
any aid from the Government. What is noteworthy about ‘Shivaji Trail’ is that
all the expenses are expended from the pockets of the members of the group.
Every year they spend about Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs on such conservation activities.
Shivaji Trail also arranges free health workshops at the village at the base of
Ghangad, i.e. Aikole. Shivaji Trail’s
work is an ideal example for all those
who want to participate in conservation of forts.
True information and it will help to achive vision 2020.
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ReplyDeletemast re dada
ReplyDeleteRohit u r good writter.
ReplyDeletei realy like ur all articals. ur friend 23 J
Awesome photographs. Concept of eco tourism is being implemented nowadays around Mumbai. Not sure about the sustainability of the project yet but it is definitely giving income to local people.
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