The pitiable condition of Sion Fort in Mumbai, which is adjacent ASI’s Mumbai office

• Lack of maintenance leading to collapses !

• Fears that further neglect will threaten the very existence of the fort !

Mumbai : Construction on the Sion Fort, adjacent to the Mumbai divisional office of the Archaeological Department, has collapsed. Due to untimely repairs, the condition of the fort has deteriorated. It is feared that with further neglect the fort may cease to exist. Unfortunately, the fort is completely neglected, despite being adjacent to the Archaeological Department’s office. Despite its historical significance the Archaeological Department has made no effort to preserve the fort.

1. The Sion Fort is an ‘ancient protected monument’ under the Archaeological Department.

2. A large tower has been built on a high hill at Sion. This hill is so high that you can see the area of ​​Thane district including Mumbai.

3. There are 6 rooms inside the bastion, and an ancient cannon is lying on the fort. There is a pond about 15 feet deep for storing water on the fort. There are windows on the fort to keep a watch for the enemy.

4. The fort is surrounded by a dense forest of various trees. The hill is very scenic which attracts people who exercise here in the morning. Many tourists, as well as students, come on holidays.

There is no attempt to maintain that structure!

The last repair work of the fort was undertaken in the year 2009 after history and fort buffs constantly drew attention to the poor condition of the fort, however, the work was halted due to paucity of funds. The fort’s repair work was then completely ignored by the archeology department and the government. As a result, the walls of the fort’s bastion collapsed in July 2021. At present the construction around the fort has collapsed.

The walls of the fort have been defaced by couples painting their names on them. Necessary notice board has not been put up at this place. It is shocking that even a simple informative plaque has not been put up considering the importance of historical objects like cannons that are found there.

Information about Sion Fort

While the island of Mumbai was under Portuguese rule, they built the Sivagad between 1669 and 1677 to control the neighboring regions. Later, after the fort was captured by the British, the fort was rebuilt by the then Governor of Mumbai, Gerard Aungier. Considering the strategic importance of this fort, the British had set up a military base there. A British army officer and 31 soldiers were permanently stationed to guard the fort.

Source : Sanatan Prabhat