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The Maharashtra government has approved a state-level committee to address encroachments across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's heritage sites. Chaired by the Cultural Affairs Minister, the panel includes ministers and senior officials from departments such as revenue, tourism, public works, forests, and urban development. The committee will supervise district-level committees, release funds for conservation, and preserve over 390 state-protected monuments and 145 temples, including August Kranti Maidan, Dharavi Fort, and Jejuri's Khandoba temple. The initiative expands prior efforts focused on forts, aiming to ensure long-term preservation, public access, and cultural tourism growth.
The Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved the creation of a state-level committee to remove encroachments and unauthorised structures from heritage sites across Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Headed by the Cultural Affairs Minister, the committee also includes ministers and senior secretaries from key departments such as revenue, rural development, tourism, public works, forests, ports development, finance, planning, urban development, and home affairs. This multi-departmental representation aims to coordinate effective conservation measures across all state-protected monuments. Advertisement
The move expands a previous government resolution from January 2025, which primarily focused on clearing encroachments from forts. The revised mandate now covers all state-protected monuments, including non-fort heritage structures in Mumbai and other districts. Iconic sites under the initiative include August Kranti Maidan, Dharavi Fort, St George Fort, and Thane's Khandeshwari Caves. Officials emphasised that removal of unauthorised constructions is crucial for safeguarding historical character, improving public access, and ensuring the long-term preservation of these sites.
Under the new framework, the state-level committee will oversee district-level committees, set guidelines, and take key policy decisions to ensure uniform implementation. The Planning Department has been empowered to release funds directly to district collectors for conservation works and encroachment removal.
Maharashtra is home to approximately 390 state-protected monuments, many of which are in urban and semi-urban areas facing pressure from development and encroachments. Apart from Mumbai and Thane, protected sites include Vasudev Balwant Phadke's birthplace in Raigad, rock carvings in Ratnagiri, Buddhist caves at Khed, and memorials in Nashik, Sangli, and Kolhapur. Additionally, there are 145 state-protected temples, including the Tuljabhavani temple and Khandoba temple at Jejuri, which will also benefit from the conservation efforts.
Officials highlighted that this initiative aims not only to preserve fast-disappearing heritage but also to support cultural tourism in the city and surrounding regions. By clearing unauthorised structures and providing systematic conservation support, the government seeks to maintain the historical integrity and public accessibility of these sites for future generations.
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