Concerns Raised Over Raigad Fort’s World Heritage Status Amid Negligence Claims

Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati has warned that alleged archaeology department negligence and unauthorised construction at Raigad Fort could put its recent UNESCO World Heritage status at risk, urging urgent corrective action.

Kolhapur-Pune | 12 December 2025: Raigad Fort’s newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage status is facing scrutiny after renewed criticism from Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, president of the Raigad Development Authority and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He has strongly criticised the Archaeological Survey of India and state archaeology officials for what he calls “carelessness,” saying continued oversight lapses may threaten the fort’s heritage recognition.

Sambhajiraje met with the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India in Delhi, pressing for prompt action on unauthorised structures and lax enforcement around the fort precincts. He warned that if such issues persist, Raigad’s standing on the World Heritage list given recently as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes grouping of forts could be jeopardised.

Earlier this week, the ASI’s Mumbai circle issued a notice to a private firm operating the Raigad ropeway for erecting concrete structures that exceed approved plans, including solid walls and other buildings that do not match permitted designs. Critics point out such constructions, including café or hotel-like buildings near heritage zones, undermine authenticity and visual integrity. Sambhajiraje says this reflects a broader pattern of uneven enforcement, where preservation proposals for original structures are delayed while non-heritage developments go ahead.

This concern echoes wider heritage debate in Maharashtra, where MPs have also raised issues about fort maintenance. In the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Medha Kulkarni highlighted poor sanitation, waste-management problems, and infrastructure gaps at multiple newly listed UNESCO fort sites, calling for a heritage infrastructure upgrade plan from the central government.

Raigad Fort is historically significant as the coronation site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its inclusion in the UNESCO listing came with expectations of stronger conservation oversight and better balancing of tourism with heritage protection.

Heritage groups and local stakeholders are watching closely as authorities respond. Many say that addressing unauthorised development and stepping up preservation efforts will be essential to safeguard Raigad’s legacy and ensure its World Heritage status remains secure.

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