Members of Shree Shiv Durg Savardhan Sanstha are determined to contribute to keep forts in Maharashtra in order.
Members of Shree Shiv Durg Savardhan Sanstha are determined to contribute to keep forts in Maharashtra in order.
"There are around 350 forts in Maharashtra today, but most of the forts are not in a good condition. We need to repair them and preserve ancestral property," said Surendra Nawade, one of the founder members of the sanstha.
The managing committee of this group has around nine members. Nawade and other members felt that the government was not doing anything to preserve the historical places and that is when they decided to start the organisation. "We thought we can also join in this cause by voluntarily helping to save our forts that are Maharshtra's historical property," said Nawade.
The sanstha's activities include arranging treks to various forts and photography exhibitions with a focus on the forts, to create awareness among people and helping to maintain the forts as well.
They also celebrate various festivals like Gudi Padwa, Dussehra, Maharashtra Day among others at the forts to attract people from nearby villages.
The members help clean and increase the capacity of the water tanks at the forts, put up railings at dangerous spots and repair the steps to avoid accidents. They also provides maps and all information about the forts to people who are interested.
They have undertaken work at Rohida fort (Vichitragadh) and renovated Rohideshwar temple, amongst others.u00a0
"Today we have a member strength of around 400," said Satish Marathe, another founder member and the vice president of this group. "Apart from members we also have volunteers who help us with sanstha's works."
Marathe has been trekking since 1982 and is still going strong. "The forts give us many things like beauty, inspiration and more but what do we give in return?" said Marathe.
This way, he believes (and the group believes too!) that they give back to the forts.
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