Memorandum submitted by Vishalgad Protection and Anti-Encroachment Action Committee
Kolhapur (Maharashtra) – There are over 50 encroachments on Vishalgad. The High Court has asked the Archaeological Department to hold a hearing on the remaining encroachments and take further decisions regarding their immediate removal. Hence, the administration should set a time limit to evict the remaining encroachments and accomplish this task. While the fort is being cleared of encroachments, there has been no special effort by the administration for the upkeep and maintenance of temples and memorials of warriors in the premises. Since July 2024, the administration has closed the road leading from Gajapur to Vishalgad. Some organizations had demanded that this road be opened; however, the memorandum submitted by the Vishalgad Protection and Anti-Encroachment Action Committee to the District Collector Amol Yedge demands that this road be opened for tourists only after the fort is completely free of encroachments.
District Collector Amol Yedge said that the administration is taking appropriate action as per the court’s order. The Archaeological Department is now taking further action and the administration will not succumb to any pressure.
Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Party Deputy District President Mr Sambhajirao Bhokare, Hindu Mahasabha State Organiser Mr Manohar Sorap, District President Mr Rajendra Toraskar, Shiv Sena Deputy District President Mr Uday Bhosale and Mr Kishore Ghatge, Mr Yogesh Kerkar of ‘Maratha Tituka Melvava’, Mr Kailash Dixit of ‘Bharat Raksha Manch’, Hindu Mahasabha State Vice President Mr Nandkumar Ghorpade, ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’ District Co-Convenor Mr Abhijit Patil and Mr Abhijit Gurav, Advocate Pradeep Pujari, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Mr Shivanand Swami, devout Hindu Mr Rambhau Methe, Convenor of ‘Vishalgad Protection and Anti-Encroachment Action Committee’ Mr Babasaheb Bhopal and others were part of the delegation that called upon the District Collector.
