To demand preservation, conservation, protection and removal of encroachments on forts; along with establishment of ‘Independent Fortresses Corporation’

‘Gad-Durg Rakshan Mahamorcha’ in Mumbai on 3rd March !

An integral part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s Hindavi Swarajya is the Forts and Fortresses built by him. These citadels built with foresight and which represent the historical and cultural heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s prowess, are in dire need of attention today. There is large-scale encroachment on these forts with all types of illegal structures such as houses, graves, dargahs, mosques illegally built on their sites. If Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy is to be preserved, encroachments on forts should be removed immediately. In view of the total number of forts, extent of encroachments on various forts, need for their conservation, the State Government should establish a ‘Swatantrata Gad-Durg Mahamandal (Independent Fortresses Corporation)’ for preservation, conservation, protection and getting rid of encroachments on these forts. To fulfil these demands a ‘Gad-Durg Rakshan Mahamorcha’ has been organised in Mumbai. This information was given by the coordinator of ‘Maharashtra Gad-Durg Rakshan Samiti’ Mr Sunil Ghanwat.

Mr Ghanwat was speaking at a Press Conference organised by the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh. At this time Mr. Rahul Khair of ‘Maratha Warriors Gadkille Sanvardhak (Maharashtra State)’, Mr. Purushottam Babar of Shivkarya Pratisathan Hindustan- Mumbai Zone Dharkari, Mr. Prabhakar Bhosle, Founder-Chairman of ‘Shri Shivkarya Pratishthan (Vikhroli)’, Mr. Sagar Chopdar Convener, ‘Maharashtra Gad-Durg Rakshan Samiti’ were present during this Press Conference. This ‘Gad-Durg Rakshan Mahamorcha’ will commence from Metro Inox Cinema on Friday, 3rd March 2023 at 12 noon and end at Azad Maidan. Mr Ghanwat also said that, various fort-loving organisations from across the State and over 25 descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Mavlas will participate in this march along with various sects, devoutly Hindu organisations, and Dharma abiding citizens.

Mr. Ghanwat further added that, recently encroachments have been noticed on Raigad fort, Vishalgad fort, Kulaba fort, Lohgad fort, Vandangad fort etc. There is a conspiracy to transform Srikshetra Malang-gad into Haji Malang. When Eid prayers are offered at the Durgadi Fort in Thane, even the worship in the temple is banned. The temples of the Deities at Vishalgad, the tombs of Baji Prabhu and Phulaji Prabhu are in dilapidated condition, and the fort is in a dilapidated state at many places; but the encroachment is increasing in the name of beautifying the dargah on the fort. If this is not stopped in time, tomorrow every fort will be in this condition. The present Shinde-Fadnavis Government has removed the large-scale encroachment around Afzal Khan’s grave at the foot of Pratapgad and thereby, has shown that such things will not be tolerated in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Maharashtra. In the same manner, we demand that immediate steps be taken to remove such encroachments on 35 important Fort-Fortresses in the State.

A large number of meetings, lectures, contact tours are being held, distribution of pamphlets, flex boards display and using social media undertaken for the success of the ‘Gad-Durg Rakshan Mahamorcha’; besides, there is spontaneous response from the society for the Mahamorcha in various Districts of the State including Mumbai. We are appealing to all Shivaji lovers, fort-lovers, and the Hindu society to participate in this great march in large numbers. On behalf of the ‘Maharashtra Gad-Durg Rakshan Samiti’ people have been requested to contact the Mobile No. 7020383264 to participate in this march.