No forced changes at Panhala Fort: District collector

Kolhapur: District Collector Amol Yedge reassured the residents of Panhala Fort that the fort's nomination for Unesco World Heritage status will not lead to forced evictions or sudden regulatory changes.
Addressing a public meeting held at the Panhala Municipal Council hall in Mayur Baug on Friday, Yedge clarified that no new laws would be imposed. The implementation will follow existing regulations of the Archaeological Department and will be done with the cooperation of the local people.
This meeting was organised in response to concerns raised by fort residents, who had earlier boycotted a similar session at the District Collectorate, insisting the discussion be held at the fort.
Responding positively, the administration had arranged the Friday meeting on-site.
During the meeting, locals raised several doubts about the implications of the Unesco nomination. Questions included whether water supply tanks and telecom towers would be removed, if houses and shops within 100 metres would be cleared, and whether government offices and businesses would be relocated.
District Collector Yedge addressed each concern, firmly stating that existing archaeological rules will remain unchanged, and no settlements or offices will be displaced. Regarding telecom towers and water tanks, he acknowledged the observations made by a Unesco advisory member and said that the administration is exploring suitable alternatives. Any decisions will be made with full transparency and public involvement.
He urged citizens not to believe in rumours and assured them that their interests would be protected throughout the process.
Other key officials present during the meeting included Sub-Divisional Officer Sameer Shingte, Archaeological Conservation Assistant Babasaheb Jangle, Tehsildar Madhavi Shinde-Jadhav, Group Development Officer Sonali Madkar, former Mayor Asif Mokashi and Panhala Municipal Council Chief Officer Chetan Kumar Mali. The meeting saw active participation from local leaders and a large number of residents.
Kolhapur: District Collector Amol Yedge reassured the residents of Panhala Fort that the fort's nomination for Unesco World Heritage status will not lead to forced evictions or sudden regulatory changes.
Addressing a public meeting held at the Panhala Municipal Council hall in Mayur Baug on Friday, Yedge clarified that no new laws would be imposed. The implementation will follow existing regulations of the Archaeological Department and will be done with the cooperation of the local people.
This meeting was organised in response to concerns raised by fort residents, who had earlier boycotted a similar session at the District Collectorate, insisting the discussion be held at the fort.
Responding positively, the administration had arranged the Friday meeting on-site.
During the meeting, locals raised several doubts about the implications of the Unesco nomination. Questions included whether water supply tanks and telecom towers would be removed, if houses and shops within 100 metres would be cleared, and whether government offices and businesses would be relocated.
District Collector Yedge addressed each concern, firmly stating that existing archaeological rules will remain unchanged, and no settlements or offices will be displaced. Regarding telecom towers and water tanks, he acknowledged the observations made by a Unesco advisory member and said that the administration is exploring suitable alternatives. Any decisions will be made with full transparency and public involvement.
He urged citizens not to believe in rumours and assured them that their interests would be protected throughout the process.
Other key officials present during the meeting included Sub-Divisional Officer Sameer Shingte, Archaeological Conservation Assistant Babasaheb Jangle, Tehsildar Madhavi Shinde-Jadhav, Group Development Officer Sonali Madkar, former Mayor Asif Mokashi and Panhala Municipal Council Chief Officer Chetan Kumar Mali. The meeting saw active participation from local leaders and a large number of residents.