With heritage tourism and destination weddings gaining popularity across the country, the Maharashtra government is planning to convert some of its forts into heritage hotels to promote private investment into the tourism sector.
Recently, the state-run Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has identified about 25 forts across the state that will be offered to heritage hoteliers and hospitality chains on lease.
However, not many are happy with the government's decision to commercialise heritage properties.
While the state is looking forward to bring more tourism and investment there has been certain dissent shown by people stating that their sentiments are being hurt by converting their heritage lands into business as these properties are memories of their ancient warriors.
"I am totally against it. In the name of development, the government is cashing in on our heritage. At present, everyone irrespective of their social background, can go and experience their cultural heritage. Once converted into hotels, the spots will not be accessible anymore. Why don't they protect and maintain the properties instead of privatizing it? They have a past — entwined with memories of our warriors and freedom fighters — that will be traded in the name of development," said Pratiksha Ghag, a trekker.
Seconding Ghag, Prathamesh Avasare, who runs a trekking company added, "The forts are not hotbeds of market. If maintained properly, they will turn into major tourist spots for people across the country."The move has been opposed by opposition leaders. Expressing dissent, NCP leader Supriya Sule took to Twitter and wrote: "Maharashtra has a glorious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we oppose changing it to Heritage Hotels and Resorts. These forts should be augmented according to international standards (sic)."
Defending the decision, State Tourism Secretary, Vinita Singhal said, "The forts have been divided into two categories. Type 1 comprises of 100 protected forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. We do not intend to touch them keeping in mind their heritage values and sentiments of people. Its the type 2 forts that will be converted into heritage hotels."
