Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) To accelerate conservation of forts, ancient temples and historic monuments across Maharashtra, the provision allowing three per cent of funds under the District Annual Plan (General) to be utilised for conservation works has been extended until 2026-27.

Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Tuesday directed officials to expedite conservation works under this fund and departmental allocations. At a meeting chaired by him, officials took several key decisions on conserving Nandos Fort, Bhagwantgad, and Siddhagad in Sindhudurg district.

A site museum will be established at Nandos Fort, with the local Gram Panchayat entrusted with management. Administrative approval will be granted for a digital survey of Bhagwantgad using modern technology, with a detailed report to follow. The process of declaring Siddhagad a State Protected Monument has also been initiated.

Shelar said preventive orders have been issued to ensure no illegal excavation or mining takes place in the fort premises until the process is completed.

Technical approval was granted for an estimated Rs 441.14 crore to conserve 184 monuments across the state through the District Annual Plan of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Of these, 161 works have received administrative approval amounting to Rs 372.34 crore, while 52 works worth Rs 105.61 crore have been completed.

Currently, 108 works worth Rs 184.68 crore are in progress. Additionally, 108 works worth Rs 627.62 crore have been approved through departmental funds; 16 have been completed, and 86 are underway.

Senior officials from the Cultural Affairs Department, including Tejas Garge, Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, district officials and local public representatives attended the meeting.

–IANS

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