Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Ashish Shelar-led delegation left for Paris to get UNESCO World Heritage status for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts, officials said on Sunday (February 23, 2025).
A four-member delegation will be in Paris, France from February 22 to 26. The delegation includes Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Hemant Dalvi and Architect Shikha Jain.
Under the concept of ‘Maratha Military Landscape of India’, the State has submitted a proposal for obtaining UNESCO status for 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the delegation about making the presentation, according to the office of Mr. Shelar.
The list includes Lohagad, Salher, Raigad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Panhala Khanderi Fort and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
According to the officials, the delegation will provide technical and diplomatic presentations to obtain World Heritage status for these forts. It aims to bring recognition for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts at the global level, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in Maharashtra.
“If these forts are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more opportunities will be available for conservation and tourism development,” said Mr. Shelar, adding that it will boost the local economy and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.
