Good News For Tourists In Pune: Sinhagad Fort Reopens Ahead Of Shivrajyabhishek Day Following Anti-Encroachment Drive
Pune: Massive Tourist Rush at Sinhagad Fort Over the Weekend: Rs.216000 Collected for Conservation Efforts
Pune: In a welcome development for history lovers and trekkers, Sinhagad Fort has been reopened to tourists from June 5, just ahead of Shivrajyabhishek Day. The reopening comes after a major operation by the Forest Department to remove illegal constructions on the historic fort.
Authorities confirmed that over 20,000 square feet of unauthorized structures—including makeshift shops, hotels, and houses—have been cleared from the fort. The action began on May 29, during which tourist access was temporarily suspended to ensure safety and allow uninterrupted work.
Alongside the anti-encroachment drive, the administration also addressed the risk of landslides by removing loose rock formations along the route leading up to the fort. With all debris removal and safety measures completed by Wednesday evening (June 4), the fort is now officially open to visitors.
Yashwant Mane, Sub-Divisional Officer of Haveli, stated that the decision to restrict entry was taken in the interest of tourist safety and to avoid any interference with the demolition work. Now that the fort is cleared and secure, tourists can resume their visits starting today.
The district administration had launched this campaign following the state government’s directive to clear all encroachments from forts across Maharashtra by May 31. In what is being seen as a historic move, this is the first time such a large-scale demolition of unauthorized structures has been successfully executed on Sinhagad Fort.
With Shivrajyabhishek Day being observed on June 6, thousands of Shivaji Maharaj’s followers are expected to visit the fort. Officials have ensured that the site is clean, safe, and ready to welcome them.
To preserve the sanctity of Sinhagad and prevent future encroachments, Sub-Divisional Officer Mane has issued strict instructions to all concerned departments to implement preventive measures.
New Rules for Tourists Visiting Sinhagad Fort: Plastic Banned, Bottle Deposit System Introduced
Pune: Tourists visiting Sinhagad Fort must now follow a set of new guidelines issued by the government to preserve the fort’s environment and heritage.
Effective June 1, all plastic items have been completely banned on the fort. To further reduce plastic waste, a deposit system has been implemented for plastic water bottles. Tourists carrying such bottles will need to pay a deposit amount, which will be refunded upon returning the bottles at the exit.
Authorities have also urged all visitors to maintain cleanliness on the fort premises and to support efforts in nature and heritage conservation. The government has appealed to citizens to act responsibly while visiting Sinhagad and other historical forts across the state.
These steps are part of a broader initiative to protect Maharashtra’s historic sites from pollution and degradation caused by increasing tourist footfall.
