Pune: Historical Sinhagad Fort Faces Threat from Plastic Waste, MLA Tapkir Calls for Urgent Intervention

Khadakwasla, 13th February 2024: MLA Bhimrao Tapkir has expressed concern over the growing presence of plastic waste and various forms of garbage along the walls of Sinhagad Fort, a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Voicing concerns about the neglect of the garbage depot beneath the fort wall, Tapkir has called upon the forest department to take immediate action to address the issue.

Sinhagad holds profound historical importance as the former residence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the site of Narveer Subhedar Tanaji Malusare’s heroic sacrifice. Despite its cultural significance, the fort has been plagued by persistent waste accumulation, prompting MLA Tapkir to demand swift intervention from the forest department. Notably, Tapkir has directed the forest department to enforce stringent measures, including the potential closure of stalls if vendors fail to comply with waste disposal regulations.

Furthermore, Tapkir has emphasized the necessity of comprehensive conservation efforts to safeguard the fort’s environment and historical legacy. He has criticized the forest department for purportedly neglecting its duties and failing to enforce regulations, particularly regarding the prohibition of plastic at Sinhagad.

Concerns raised by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Devotee organisations and fitness enthusiasts have highlighted the urgency of addressing the garbage issue, prompting Tapkir to issue directives for the daily management and disposal of waste on the fort premises.

In a collaborative endeavour to tackle conservation and development challenges, Tapkir, accompanied by officials and consultants, conducted an inspection of Sinhagad to assess ongoing development plans. Discussions encompassed various conservation aspects, including repairs to fort structures, enhancements to amenities such as parking lots and cultural centres, and the removal of defunct communication towers.

Tapkir also inquired about the halted conservation work at Kalyan Darwaja and stressed the importance of effective communication and coordination among relevant departments and local stakeholders.

Tapkir proposed a series of initiatives to bolster conservation efforts, including immediate repairs to fort infrastructure, the restoration of historical structures, and the installation of meteorological instruments for monitoring weather conditions.