Pune’s Forts Vie For UNESCO World Heritage Status, Awareness Drive Launched
Pune's Forts Vie For UNESCO World Heritage Status, Awareness Drive Launched
The Central and State Governments have nominated 12 historic forts, including several in Pune district, for UNESCO World Heritage Site status under the ‘Maratha Military Territory’ category. A UNESCO committee is scheduled to visit Pune’s forts from September 27 to 30.
To promote public awareness and support for the nomination, District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has launched an awareness drive. Digital boards showcasing information about the forts will be installed at public Ganesha mandals in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad during Ganeshotsav.
The nominated forts, used as military bases during Maratha rule, include Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad, and Jinji in Tamil Nadu. These forts hold significant cultural and historical importance, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status would recognize their value globally.
To engage the public, especially students, school-level fort replica competitions will be organized at taluka and district levels. “PLAY & WIN” competitions will be held, with prizes for the winners. Villages participating in the competition will also be eligible for funds under the public facilities scheme.
Collector Dr. Diwase announced prizes for the competition, including ₹5 lakhs for first place, ₹2.5 lakhs for second place, and ₹1.5 lakhs for third place. Additionally, five villages that participate in the best manner will receive funds of ₹50 lakhs for public facilities.
An architectural documentation competition has also been organized with city and district colleges, historical research institutes, and architectural institutes. This initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the forts’ historical significance.
District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar emphasized the importance of this nomination, stating that UNESCO World Heritage Site status would recognize the cultural and historical importance of these forts and preserve the rich Maratha heritage for future generations.
