Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Supriya Sule Writes To Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Over Daulatabad Fort Fire, Offers Suggestions | File Photos
NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule on Friday wrote a letter to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat over the recent fire that occurred at Daulatabad Fort in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In the letter, she said that it was a “wake-up call,” urging the Centre to take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“I write to you with deep concern regarding the massive fire that broke out on the morning of Tuesday, April 8, at the historic Daulatabad Fort. The unfortunate incident has caused extensive damage to several invaluable archaeological remains. Equally distressing is the impact on the local wildlife, including peacocks, monkeys, and various species of birds and reptiles residing within the fort premises,” the Baramati MP stated.
In the letter, Sule also offered suggestions to Shekhawat to prevent such incidents in the future. “Regular clearing of vegetation from archaeological structures, fortifications, and surrounding areas is essential. Annual cleanliness drives—prior to the onset of summer—must be institutionalised to remove dry grass, fallen branches, and plastic waste,” she wrote.
Sule said all visitors should be thoroughly screened to prevent the entry of flammable materials, including cigarettes and lighters, into the fort premises. She added that the immediate installation of fire safety materials, including water tanks and hydrants, is essential.
“The current deployment of only four security personnel is grossly inadequate. At least 20 trained and equipped security personnel should be appointed to monitor, patrol, and respond effectively to emergencies,” Sule emphasised.
She concluded by saying that neglecting these requirements could result in irreparable damage to our cultural legacy.
Meanwhile, local authorities of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have launched a probe to find out the reason behind the fire.
“The fire broke out around 10am on Tuesday and spread to all sides of the fort. The blaze engulfed the grass and the green cover on the fort premises. We have launched an investigation to find out what triggered the fire. We are also going to check this historical monument from the disaster management point of view,” an official said.
“The disaster management plan for the fort will be chalked out later. We are also planning to dig some channels so that we get some time to control the fire if such incidents happen again in the future,” he added.
