Forts in Pune are likely to be turned into heritage hotels

As per a latest development, Maharashtra Tourism Minister Jaikumar Rawal has announced that a new scheme is being planned that will convert historic forts (that have fallen into despair) into heritage hotels in Pune and Sindhudurg districts. Supposedly, the move is inspired by the success of the monuments that have been converted into hotels in Rajasthan.

As per the plan, the state government will be select forts, which have remained neglected for a long time. Then tenders will be invited from the hoteliers to re-develop them. Referring to this, the minister said that under this scheme, neglected monuments will come to limelight, while they will also be preserved and protected at the same time. Moreover, the move will help generate more revenue and tenders will only be given to those who are experienced in this field. Pune district has a number of forts with historical value, such as Rajgad, Rajmachi, Purandar, Tikona, Lohagad, and Torna; whereas Sindhudurg boasts of housing forts, such Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Sawantwadi Palace.

However, this new scheme of the government has not gone down well with activists, as they are of the view that such a scheme will ruin monuments in the long run. They are absolutely against such plans. They are of the view that most of the forts are on the verge of falling apart as there is no status tags attached with them, whereas many are privately owned or have been encroached. And now if they are turned into hotels, the activists believe that it will destroy their remaining legacy.
Reportedly, the activists have written a letter to the minister requesting him to withdraw the said scheme. However, while filing the story, the status of the proposed scheme was still intact.