The forts built by the Maratha Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries are not only architecturally but also militarily important. Their importance has been highlighted globally by the fact that these forts have been awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Salher, Shivneri in Maharashtra, Lohagad of Lonavala, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

What will happen after the declaration of World Heritage Sites?

1. Global recognition and prestige will increase: With the inclusion of their names in the UNESCO World Heritage List, these forts will become a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. These historical places will now stand out prominently on the international tourism map.

2. Tourism will increase: The number of domestic and foreign tourists will increase significantly. This will boost the local economy. Local people will get employment opportunities in the fields of guides, hotels, travel agencies, handicraft sales.

3. Funds for conservation and preservation: Technical guidance and financial assistance can be obtained from UNESCO or other international organizations for the conservation and preservation of these forts.

4. Promotion of research and study: Students and scholars studying history, archaeology, and architecture will get a new direction for research.

What will be the responsibility of the government?

Conservation & Preservation:

• Ensuring that the original appearance of the historical structures, towers, fortifications, gates, tanks, inscriptions, caves, and temples of the forts is maintained.

• Strictly curbing unauthorized construction, encroachment, and vandalism.

• Adopting world-class conservation methods under the guidance of archaeological experts.

• Utilizing national and international fund schemes for the conservation of forts.

Preparation of Master Plan:

• Preparation of separate Management Plan for each fort.

• This plan must include conservation, tourist management, security, local people's participation, disaster management.

• Prepare reports as per UNESCO standards and submit them regularly.

Tourism Management:

• Develop facilities like fixed routes, ticketing system, online booking for tourist entry.

• Ensure that the environment and historical structure of the forts do not deteriorate even if tourism increases.

• Control the dangers caused by over-tourism.

Safety & Security:

• Establish security system for tourists at the forts.

• Deploy guards and guards.

• Maintain primary health facilities and rescue system for emergency assistance.

• Take measures for natural disasters like landslides and landslides.

Community Involvement:

• Provide training to local people for the maintenance of forts and for tourism guidance.

• Provide them with employment as guides selling handicrafts, local food, and local information.

• Make locals aware of history and the importance of conservation.

Promotion of Research & Documentation:

• Continue in-depth study of the history of forts.

• Create maps, documentation of old documents, digital collections.

• Encourage researchers from Indian and global universities.

Awareness & Education:

• Include the importance of these forts in school curricula.

• Organize historical trips and workshops for students.

• Provide information through information boards, guidebooks, and digital applications.

Continuous coordination with UNESCO:

• Follow the rules and guidelines set by UNESCO.

• Submit regular reports and follow the instructions of monitoring committees.

• Appoint world-class conservation experts.

In fact, when forts are given World Heritage status, not only the responsibility of the government increases, but also the responsibility of ordinary citizens and tourists.

These forts are living witnesses of our history. Protecting them is everyone's social obligation. Only if we act responsibly, these historical structures will reach the next generations safely.

“Heritage is not just to be seen, it is also to be preserved” - keeping this in mind, everyone should take care of the following things:

Responsibility of tourists and citizens

Maintaining respect for forts:

• It should be remembered that forts are not just tourist destinations but also invaluable treasures of our history.

• The structures, walls, and inscriptions on the forts should not be damaged in any way.

• It should be remembered that writing on the walls like “Such + Such = ❤” destroys history.

Maintaining cleanliness:

• Do not throw plastic, water bottles, food wrappers, garbage on the forts.

• Participate in ‘garbage-free campaigns’ on the forts.

Disciplined tourism:

• Walk only on the designated paths.

• Do not try to enter closed areas.

• Protect the natural structure and ecosystem (biodiversity) on the forts.

Knowing and spreading history:

• Get real knowledge about the forts and do not give in to rumors.

• Get information from local guides or experts and get a true understanding of the historical heritage.

Respecting local people:

• Respect the feelings, traditions, and professions of the locals.

• Contribute to the livelihood of local people

Helping in times of disaster:

• Behaving responsibly in case of any accident, fire, or mishap.

• Cooperate with the disaster management system.

It is a matter of pride for Maharashtra and India that these forts, which are witnesses to the Maratha military structure and history, are included in the World Heritage List. This will increase the recognition of the forts at the global level, but at the same time, the responsibilities of the government and local administration will also increase. With proper planning, conservation and local participation, these places can be preserved for future generations.