Historical Maratha Stronghold Reclaimed

Acting on the directives of the Ratnagiri collector and state archaeological department, the revenue department on May 24 cleared the encroachments from the historical Gopalgad Fort in Anjanvel, Guhagar, ending years of occupation by a private owner.

- Anamika Gharat

MUMBAI: Hindustan Times had on April 8 reported on the fort's neglect and the unauthorized rooms on its premises.

The Maratha-era fort went into private hands due to a government blunder, which listed it as barren land and sold in an auction for just ₹300 in the 1960s. It was finally declared a State Protected Monument in 2016 after relentless efforts by locals and activists. Now under the custody of the archaeology department, officials confirmed that restoration work will soon begin. "Following a petition claiming that the site was barren land, the high court reviewed our evidence and directed a final hearing," said Vilas Vahane, deputy director of the state archaeology department. "After due process and allowing time for objections, we issued a final order, dated September 19, 2024, and requested the revenue department to demolish the unauthorized structures."