Amid the aurangzeb tomb controversy, ashish Shelar wrote a letter!
maharashtra minister ashish Shelar has written a letter to Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. In this, he has demanded that the maharashtra government take over the responsibility of maintenance and conservation of all the forts, which are currently being looked after by the Archaeological survey of india (ASI). Amid the controversy over Aurangzeb's tomb, in his letter to Union minister Shekhawat on Monday, ashish Shelar mentioned his visit to the Paris-based international Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which he chaired. According to news agency ANI, the maharashtra government has identified 54 centrally protected and 62 state-protected forts, including iconic forts like Raigad, Rajgad and Pratapgad, which are proposed to be included in the UNESCO list of World heritage Sites.
'Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj's forts are inspiring millions'
Shelar stressed that these historical forts, including the great maratha warrior Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj, have immense cultural and emotional significance for the people of Maharashtra. He said, "The forts strategically built and used by Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj inspire millions of people in maharashtra and around the world. These forts, which embody the spirit of nationalism and patriotism, have a unique emotional value among the people of Maharashtra.
maharashtra government active in the conservation of forts - Shelar
He said, "Maharashtra has 54 centrally protected forts and 62 state protected forts. The maharashtra government is actively involved in the conservation activities of state protected forts." Shelar also highlighted that the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of maharashtra is fully equipped to carry out conservation work and can involve CSR donors for the maintenance of the fort.''
Representing the sentiments of the people of maharashtra, the State cabinet in its meeting held on 18th february 2025 expressed its desire to participate in the protection and preservation of forts associated with maratha history in the state. ashish Shelar demanded that the centrally protected forts under the jurisdiction of Archaeological survey of india in the state of maharashtra should be handed over to the maharashtra government to carry out conservation work and develop tourist amenities accordingly,"
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