Raj Thackeray praised UNESCO’s recognition of 12 Shivaji forts, urged strict preservation, warned against negligence, and demanded removal of illegal constructions to protect Maharashtra’s legacy and global tourism potential.
Mumbai | July 12,2025: Maharashtra’s proud legacy received global recognition as UNESCO has included twelve iconic forts linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in its World Heritage List. These forts—Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, Khanderi (all in Maharashtra) and Jinji Fort in Tamil Nadu—are monuments of the Maratha Empire’s military brilliance and vision of Swarajya.
MNS President Raj Thackeray expressed his joy through a detailed social media post, congratulating the government for the achievement while also issuing a strong reminder. He stated that this recognition reflects how far Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy had spread—from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu—bridging cultures and regions through forts that still stand tall.
However, Thackeray also warned that the government must not treat this recognition as a mere trophy. He emphasized that once UNESCO grants heritage status, it also imposes strict global norms for conservation and management, which must be fully adhered to. He insisted that the 11 forts in Maharashtra should be restored and preserved with utmost seriousness.
Referring to the dismal condition of these forts in recent decades, Thackeray said this global honor should now inspire real efforts to not only restore the structures but also to improve infrastructure to make them global tourism hubs. He noted that Maharashtra’s tourism economy can thrive if these historical assets and the state’s coastline are managed efficiently.
In a sharp tone, he also reminded the government that UNESCO has previously revoked heritage status in two international cases—Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and Germany’s Dresden Elbe Valley—for non-compliance. He stressed that the Maharashtra government must understand the seriousness of this responsibility and take immediate action against unauthorized constructions on the forts, without giving any consideration to caste or religion.
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