Maharashtra approves ₹2.94 crore for security at four forts and expands conservation-fund coverage

On 30 October 2026, the Maharashtra government approved expenditure of ₹2,93,86,720 for an 11-month security arrangement at Pratapgad, Rajgad, Salher and Khanderi forts. The four forts are included in the UNESCO-listed Maratha Military Landscapes of India.

Security deployment and review

The Maharashtra State Security Board will implement the arrangement using 80 contract personnel: 19 guards and one security supervisor at each fort. The government stated that the deployment is intended to protect the historic structures and prevent incidents at the sites.

The government has directed the director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums to submit, within six months, a report on options for permanent security at the four forts.

Conservation funding widened

Maharashtra has expanded the scope of the three per cent allocation under the District Annual Plan (General). It can now also fund conservation of unprotected monuments of historical and archaeological importance.

Important Facts for Exams

• Terrain range: The Maratha Military Landscapes span the Sahyadri Range, Deccan Plateau, Konkan Coast and Eastern Ghats, across markedly varied terrain.
• Military strategy: The military strategy associated with the forts developed under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and continued into the Peshwa period.
• Rajgad's defences: Rajgad’s broad base, about 40 kilometres in diameter, made it difficult to besiege and strengthened its strategic value.