Raigad Fort Faces Eviction Drive
• 24 Homes, 56 Stalls Marked Illegal
• Deadline Set: Vacate by May 30
• Ropeway Project Gets Clean Chit
Milind Mane |
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contents
Raigad Fort Faces Eviction Drive• 24 Homes, 56 Stalls Marked Illegal• Deadline Set: Vacate by May 30• Ropeway Project Gets Clean ChitForest and Archaeological Departments Begin Eviction Action at Historic Raigad FortRaigad Ropeway Project Continues Without Scrutiny, Sparks Allegations of BiasEviction Targets Dhangar Community Residents and Informal VendorsCommercial Encroachments – Stalls Along Tourist Routes on Raigad FortLegal Framework and Official Notice IssuanceAlso Read: A year after Ghatkopar tragedy: Mumbai Hoarding Policy Still Stalled.Sprouts News Calls for Transparent and Equitable Conservation Policy
Sprouts News reports that 24 houses and 56 stalls on historic Raigad Fort face eviction by May 30 under a state-wide anti-encroachment drive. While small vendors are targeted, the ropeway project remains untouched, raising questions of bias. Forest officials warn of legal action if structures are not removed in time.
Forest and Archaeological Departments Begin Eviction Action at Historic Raigad Fort
In a significant move under the state’s new policy to protect heritage sites, 24 houses and 56 stalls on Raigad Fort have been served eviction notices. These structures, mainly belonging to the Dhangar community, were deemed illegal under the guidelines of the Forest and Archaeological Departments. Residents have been ordered to vacate the premises by May 30, 2025, or face legal consequences.
The decision follows the controversial eviction campaign at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur, which saw widespread political and social unrest in 2023. In that case, mass protests erupted after eviction actions were seen as targeting specific communities, leading to the Central Archaeological Department directing all state forts to be cleared of unauthorized structures.
However, critics point to the continued operation of the ropeway project at Raigad Fort, which has not been subjected to the same scrutiny—raising concerns about selective enforcement and inconsistency in heritage protection.
Raigad Ropeway Project Continues Without Scrutiny, Sparks Allegations of Bias
While local vendors and residents are being displaced, the ropeway infrastructure—an expansive commercial venture—continues unhindered. No eviction or legal notices have been issued to its operators despite occupying a significant portion of the protected zone. This has led to public debates about a possible double standard in applying conservation laws.
Sources from the Archaeological Department argue that all unauthorized structures must be removed to preserve Raigad Fort’s sanctity. Yet, the silence around the ropeway project is being seen as an exemption that undermines public trust.
Heritage conservationists and legal experts are calling for equal application of rules to both small vendors and large commercial entities. Sprouts News has reached out to relevant authorities for clarification but has not yet received a response.
Eviction Targets Dhangar Community Residents and Informal Vendors
The Forest Department, under Mahad Range Officer Mr. Shahu, issued the notices based on findings from a joint site inspection conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and forest officials. The area from Mahadarwaja to Chitta Darwaja, designated as reserved forest land (Survey No. 550), showed several illegal semi-permanent encroachments.
The 24 residential structures and 56 commercial stalls face mandatory demolition. These include:
Residential Encroachments – Jagdishwar Mandir and Historic Bazaar Area
1.Mahadev Nathu Avkeerkar
2.Babu Nathu Avkeerkar
3.Rayba Bhagoji Avkeerkar
4.Sulocahana Gangaram Mahabale
5.Vitthal Rahu Avkeerkar
6.Ravi Bhagoji Avkeerkar
7.Jaibai Devba Zhore
8.Sakhubai Dhondiram Shinde
9.Leelabai Dhakatu Avkeerkar
10.Sunil Shinde
11.Chandrakant Dhau Gore
12.Gangaram Narayan Ugirkar
13.Sanjay Vitthal Avkeerkar
Residential – Near Jagdishwar Temple
1.Kishan Navlu Avkeerkar
2.Vasant Shyama Avkeerkar
3.Ramchandra Avkeerkar
4.Vitthal Babu Avkeerkar
5.Santosh Maruti Shinde
6.Vasant Dhau Avkeerkar
7.Motiram Dhau Avkeerkar
8.Bapu Bhagoji Avkeerkar
Others
•Near Masjid Morcha: Babu Bhagoji Avkeerkar, Suresh Bhagoji Avkeerkar
•Near Vasurekhindi: Suresh Bamu Avkeerkar
Commercial Encroachments – Stalls Along Tourist Routes on Raigad Fort
From Holicha Maal to Samadhi Sthal, 16 stall owners have been listed, including names like Vasant Dhau Avkeerkar, Kishan Navlu Avkeerkar, and Sangeeta Ravi Avkeerkar. Their businesses range from selling cold drinks and bottled water to food stalls serving local delicacies like zunka bhakar and tea.
Between Hatti Talav to Mahadarwaja, 7 additional stall operators have been identified. From Mahadarwaja to Chitta Darwaja, 31 stallholders have been listed, operating food and souvenir shops that serve the daily influx of tourists and pilgrims.
Notable Stall Operators Include:
•Dilip Kondiram Akhade
•Sandip Shinde
•Ramesh Babu Dhavale (Rahul Dhavale)
•Suresh Bamu Avkeerkar (Manisha Avkeerkar)
•Rajesh Ramchandra Avkeerkar
•Suman Maruti Jadhav
•Ganesh Baliram Avkeerkar
•Deepak Kokare
•Seema Sandip Jadhav
Legal Framework and Official Notice Issuance
The Raigad District Collector convened a meeting on April 25, 2025, with the Forest Department to finalize eviction actions. Following this, Range Forest Officer Mr. Shahu issued formal notices instructing occupants to remove the encroachments at their own cost.
If residents and shopkeepers fail to comply, the Forest Department will initiate government-sanctioned demolition and recovery procedures. These actions, though rooted in conservation policy, have led to community unrest and fears of conflict during the upcoming Shivrajyabhishek Ceremony on June 6, an annual cultural event that draws thousands of devotees and tourists to Raigad.
Local voices, including activists and historians, warn that unilateral action without inclusive dialogue could lead to social tensions, mirroring the Vishalgad conflict. Many are questioning why large-scale commercial operations like the ropeway are exempt from scrutiny while small, community-based establishments are penalized.
Also Read: A year after Ghatkopar tragedy: Mumbai Hoarding Policy Still Stalled.
Sprouts News Calls for Transparent and Equitable Conservation Policy
Sprouts News urges policymakers to ensure that conservation efforts do not disproportionately impact marginalized communities. While protecting heritage is essential, enforcement must be transparent, inclusive, and free from bias—especially in culturally significant spaces like Raigad Fort.
This report will be updated as the eviction deadline approaches and state authorities respond to public concerns. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team remains committed to tracking this evolving story and holding institutions accountable.
