Dhangar families living on Raigad Fort face eviction under a new Archaeological Department notice. Fearing homelessness, they seek rehabilitation. Leaders are mediating to balance heritage preservation with community welfare.
Raigad Fort | June 9, 2025: A deep crisis looms over the Dhangar community families living on Raigad Fort, as the Central Archaeological Department has issued fresh notices directing them to vacate the historic site.
These families, who have resided on the fort for generations, largely earn their livelihood by serving breakfast, tea, buttermilk, and curd to the many Shiva devotees and tourists visiting Raigad. The prospect of forced eviction has left them anxious about their future.
“If we leave, where will we go? What about our children’s future?” a local resident questioned, as fear spreads among the community with the onset of monsoon season.
Earlier notices had sparked strong opposition from both local residents and Shivaji Maharaj devotees’ organisations. Despite this, new eviction orders have now reignited the crisis.
Many families rely solely on their small food stalls to sustain themselves. The sudden demand to vacate could render them homeless overnight.
Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogawale and Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje have stepped in to reassure residents and are seeking a solution that balances heritage conservation with community welfare.
As the standoff unfolds, the Dhangar community remains firm in its resolve not to leave without a clear rehabilitation plan. Meanwhile, heritage authorities emphasise the need to preserve Raigad Fort’s historical integrity.
The situation underscores the delicate challenge of protecting historical sites while honouring the lives of communities intertwined with their legacy.
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