Conservationists get in way of Sinhagad stairway

City-based organisation Raje Shivaray Pratishthan to hold protest rally against R7 cr forest dept plan to build steps leading to fort, says funds should instead be spent on preservation

Conservationists get in way of Sinhagad stairway

City-based organisation Raje Shivaray Pratishthan to hold protest rally against R7 cr forest dept plan to build steps leading to fort, says funds should instead be spent on preservation

Pressing matters: Activists say instead of constructing stairs,
authorities should focus on cleanliness and security. file pic

The forest department had collected tolls from visitors over the past four years and amassed nearly Rs 9 crore. Chief forest conservator Vasudev Jadhav had announced Rs 7 crore would be spent on constructing a staircase leading up to the fort. The idea was also supported by local Khadakwasala MLA Ramesh Wanjale.

"Sinhagad was always ignored by the government and the current state of the fort is pathetic. Instead of making repairs on the fort walls and its entrance, the authorities are spending Rs 7 crore on constructing steps, which is foolish and absurd," said Mahesh Pawale of RSP. Vikey Pailwan, Vikram Barde, Amit Kadam and Dhananjay Dobe and many more are participating in the agitation. The agitation will be supported by historians Pandurang Balkawade and Gajanan Mehendale.

No garbage bin
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the forest department had jointly started a Sinhagadh Vikas Committee to keep the place clean and green. The committee was formed by former municipal commissioner Pravinsingh Pardeshi in 2009. "They have not met in the past two years and no provision for garbage collection and disposal has been made," said Pawale.

Dilip Shevale a regular visitor to the fort said there was not a single garbage bin in the entire expanse of the fort. "People throw alcohol bottles indiscriminately, not to mention the plastic bags that are strewn all around. Instead of constructing a stairway, the forest department should arrange for garbage disposal and curb use of plastic bags in the fort area," he said. "The PMC should also arrange for more lavatories as there is just one," he said.

Two bodies found
Hemant Pathak, a fort lover, pointed out to the grave negligence of law and order, as two bodies were found in the area in the last 20 days. "The forest department should make the place safe and secure first, instead of erecting the steps," he said. Vasudev Jadhav, chief forest conservator, was not available for comment.u00a0

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