Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Saturday directed the archaeology department to prioritise the preservation and conservation of the state’s historic stepwells, also known as `Baravs`, and prepare a comprehensive action plan for their protection.
Special campaign to remove encroachments
During a meeting of the Stepwell Conservation Committee constituted by the Maharashtra government, Shelar instructed officials to launch a special drive through district collectors to remove encroachments around historic stepwells across the state.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the department of cultural affairs, representatives of the Save Stepwells Campaign and conservation experts.
Focus on conservation framework and coordination
Officials discussed challenges related to stepwell conservation, remedial measures and better coordination between government departments and local administrations.
Shelar directed the department to issue a circular laying down a standard operating framework for stepwell conservation and stressed the importance of regular coordination with district collectors and adherence to archaeological conservation norms during restoration works funded through district planning funds.
Workshops, training camps to be organised
The minister also instructed officials to organise workshops and training camps for organisations, researchers, students and voluntary groups involved in stepwell conservation efforts.
He suggested taking support from experienced institutions to strengthen training and awareness initiatives in the field of heritage conservation.
Government exploring financial assistance for conservation
According to officials, Shelar informed the committee that the state government is also exploring financial assistance for stepwell conservation through funds expected from the World Bank via the state government’s ‘MITRA’ organisation.
The state government said the initiative is aimed at protecting Maharashtra’s historic water heritage structures and ensuring their long-term preservation.
Encroachment removal drive conducted in Manori mangrove area
An encroachment removal drive was carried out on April 16, 2026, at 10 am in Manori, Survey No. 295 (Land No. 3184), under the jurisdiction of the West Mumbai Mangrove Cell, Mangrove Division (North Konkan).
The action was undertaken in compliance with the Bombay High Court’s directions in Public Interest Litigation No. 87 of 2006 and based on the 2005 MRSAC maps. The 186.500-hectare area at Manori was officially handed over to the Mangrove Cell on October 3, 2013.
Notice issued before action under Gorai Range case
In connection with an earlier offence registered under the Gorai Range (Case No. E-02/2021-22 dated April 30, 2021), a public notice had been issued by the Range Forest Officer, West Mumbai. Following due process, the encroachment removal action was executed on Thursday.
Unauthorised cricket pitch demolished
During the operation, an unauthorised cricket pitch spread over 100 sq. m. was demolished as part of the drive.
Officials and agencies present during operation
The drive was conducted under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer D.P. Khade, Assistant Conservator of Forests D.G. Rakshe, and Range Forest Officer S.G. Kavathe (Kandalvan). Forest staff, along with officials from the BMC, representatives of Gorai Police Station, personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force, and other staff members, were present during the operation.
