Lok Sabha Question No. 3869 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Conservation of Shivneri Fort
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3869 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## CONSERVATION OF SHIVNERI FORT

3869. DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the permanent conservation of Shivneri Fort following its inscription in July 2025;
- (b) the  details  of  the  specific  central  budget  allocated/being  allocated  for  the  year 2026-27 to upgrade tourist infrastructure and interpretation centres at Shivneri to meet international standards as required by the 47th World Heritage Committee session;
- (c) whether the Government has formulated a policy to ensure that the "Buffer Zone" regulations do not adversely affect the traditional livelihoods and housing rights of the local residents of Junnar; and
- (d) the  status  of  the  appointment  of  a  dedicated  Site  Manager  and  a  professional conservation team as mandated by UNESCO for serial nominations?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) The Government has prepared and submitted Site Management Plans for all twelve forts, including Shivneri Fort, to the World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, during the nomination process  for the  'Maratha  Military  Landscapes  of  India'  inscription  on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025.

Details of major deliverables are as follows:

| Short Term (6 months - 2 years)                                                      | Mid Term (2-5 years)                                                                                                                                  | Long Term (5-10 years)           |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Administrative structure, Site Infrastructure, Interpretation and Visitor Management | Excavation, Conservation, Site Infrastructure, Mobility Plan, Interpretation and Visitor Management, Disaster and Risk Management, Community Outreach | Conservation, Community Outreach |

There is no separate budget allocated for any sites. Although, budget is allocated to all the field offices of ASI, which is, then utilized as per the requirement at the sites under the jurisdiction of these field offices.

- (b) Expenditure incurred at Shivneri Fort during the last three years is as follows:
- (c) The proposed buffer area for Shivneri is already protected by the Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra. It will not adversely affect the traditional livelihoods and housing rights of the local residents of Junnar.
- UNESCO has not mandated the appointment of a dedicated site manager for serial
- (d) nominations.

| Year          | 2023-24   | 2024-25   | 2025-26 (As on 12.03.2026)   |
|---------------|-----------|-----------|------------------------------|
| Shivneri Fort | 2.13 Cr.  | 2.82 Cr.  | 1.65 Cr.                     |

Out of 11 forts in the state of Maharashtra under the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', seven forts, including Shivneri Fort, are managed by the Mumbai Circle of  the  ASI,  which  is  responsible  for  the  Conservation  and  Management  of  the Property,  whereas  remaining  four  forts  are  managed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

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