About this Mission - Abhiyan Raigad

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About this mission

Mai Marathi Sanstha, regularly arranges visits to forts and historical places in Maharashtra. The main objective behind this activity is to sensitize our new generation, especially youths about our glorious past, our history. .
On 22nd & 23rd of December, 2007, Mai Marathi Sanstha had organised a visit to Raigad Fort. 50 participants participated in this trip. The majestic fort is superb as ever. Our members conducted Cleanliness Drive. Mai Marathi Sanstha distributed, plastic bags and handgloves to its members. The waste in form of remains of plastic bottles, wrappers, gutkha sachets etc were collected and disposed at the dustbin at the base of the fort. Unfortunately, this scenario is not limited to Raigad Fort alone. All forts are in somewhat similar state. .
It was however, noted that more needs to be done apart from such campaigns. Some of the unnerving points observed during our visit are as under :- .

1) The railings leading to the fort are broken are missing at many critical points.

2) On the entire stretch of 100 acres on the plateau of the fort we could not find even a single dustbin. The vendors vending pan beedi, gutkha etc, dont either maintain one. Resulting in plastic waste in form of pouches, water bottles etc being scattered all over the place. This is not only insulting to the historical monument but displays the total lack of interest on the part of the authorities that now govern it.

3) Walls are vandalized by graffitis.

4) The throne of Hindavi Swaraj, from where once, Shivaji Maharaj ruled has today being vandalised. People climb upto the throne to pose for photographs and unfortunately nobody is there to prevent them, this lack of apathy on the part of visitors and the administration directly insults the great maratha warrior and his throne.

5) On the entire fort we could not find a single security personnel manning the area. In today's world where terrorism has reached every nook and corner, is Raigad Fort not an easy target? What will happen if God forbid something serious happens to it?

6) There is no proper sanitation facility or drinkng water facility on the fort.

7) The plateau of the fort is of about 100 acrea. The monuments like the throne of Shivaji Maharaj, The Takmak Tok, The Samadhi, Jagadeeshwar Temple are located at different places, however, there is no map indicating the whole whole or monuments as such. There are no boards indicating the history or importance of single monument on the fort. Just a single plaque is installed, which does not do the justice to the importance of the place.

8) Proper transportation facility is not available.

On its part Mai Marathi Sanstha, is following up this matter with the Central & State Authorities to seek details of restoration efforts. All legal means at disposal would be availed to impress upon the authorities to change the prevalent situation of apathy.



Snaps of Cleanliness Drive Conducted by Mai Marathi Sanstha at Raigad Fort.

You too can join this mission. Please do send us information about the forts/historical places in ruins, places visited by you. Do use the form available here to send us your details. Do mail us photos etc of these places at mai.marathi@yahoo.co.in