Maharashtra does not want ASI to give up charge of Raigad fort

Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde today said the state government was not in favour of the Archaeological Survey of India reverting the historical Raigad fort to the state as it would "reduce its importance".
Raigad, 210 kms south of Mumbai, was once the capital of King Shivaji who was crowned at the hill fort there in 1674 AD and later died there 1680 AD.
Tawde was speaking to reporters about the government's decision to set up an experts' committee for conservation of 317 forts in the state.
"Raigad is now moving closer to being notified as an international heritage monument," he added.

The experts committee will be headquartered in Pune, and its first meeting was held today, he said, adding that it decided to prepare a draft report on the measures to be taken to conserve the forts within three months.
Tawde said at present the committee will concentrate on conservation of 10 forts which need urgent repair and restoration, and the government will welcome conservation efforts by corporate houses and history buffs too.