Maharashtra forts get a facelift

By a Sify Correspondent

Mumbai: In a bid to boost tourism through heritage, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra is currently undertaking restoration of several heritage structures across the State in a phased manner.
As part of the plan, four in Mumbai and Thane – the Bandra Fort, Worli Fort, Sewree Fort and Ghodbunder Fort in Thane will be restored by March next year, according to R N Hegde, director, Archaeology and Museums.

The directorate has received grants from the Indian Tourism Development Corporation through Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation for resorting these forts. "The project will cost about Rs 7.5 crore," he said.
There are some other forts which would be given grant under the 12th Finance Commission and there are some other sites which will be restored during the current financial year.

These forts include Shirgaon Fort, near Vasai in Thane, Shankarwada in Nashik, Holkarwada in Chandwad, Parvati temple at Hottal, Nanded, Bhairavnath temple, Laxmivilas Palace at Kolhapur, Central Museum, Nagpur and town Hall Musuem, Kolhapur. "This project will cost Rs 12.5 crore," he said.

An ancient site known as Ter (in Osmanabad), which throws light on the Indo-Roman trade in the Christian era is also being restored. This project is expected to be complete next year.