Maharashtra govt aims to make forts encroachment-free by May 31
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a crackdown on encroachments at forts across the state, aiming to remove illegal structures by May 31, an official said on Tuesday.
The district collectors have been asked to prepare fort-wise lists of encroachments by January 31, the official said.
The chief minister has said that to ensure a systematic approach, district-level committees under the chairmanship of collectors will be formed, and these will oversee the phased removal of encroachments from February 1 to May 31.
He said the government will also set up vigilance committees to prevent future encroachments.
"Public demand for decisive action had been growing, and the government has responded accordingly," Fadnavis said.
Maharashtra is home to 47 forts that are centrally protected, 62 state-protected, and approximately 300 unprotected forts. The initiative aims to preserve the historical and aesthetic significance of these cultural landmarks.
On Monday, the state government issued a government resolution (GR) ordering the formation of committees to address encroachments at forts.
Elaborating on the government's strategy, State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, "The district-level committees will comprise police commissioners, municipal corporation chiefs, forest officers, and representatives from archaeological departments. They will ensure encroachments are addressed efficiently and that law and order is maintained."
He said the committees will meet monthly to review progress and submit regular reports to the state government.
The move comes in light of encroachments at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district.
Shelar said the initiative involves removing existing encroachments and ensuring these historical sites are well-protected for future generations.
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Surveillance intensified in Bengal border districts as killers of Suvendu's PA may flee out of state
Kolkata (PTI): Police stations in border districts of West Bengal intensified surveillance and searches as investigators suspect the involvement of professional shooters from neighbouring states in the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide, a senior officer said on Friday.
The police are also investigating the role of local criminals who might have provided logistical support to the assailants, he said.
More than 36 hours after Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath was assassinated by motorcycle-borne gunmen at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district, the police are yet to make any arrest.
“A detailed investigation is underway. The manner in which the attack was carried out suggests extensive reconnaissance and the possible involvement of hired sharpshooters from outside the state,” a senior police officer told PTI.
He also said all police stations in border districts have been alerted.
"Checks are being carried out at multiple points, and CCTV footage from areas along Jessore Road is being thoroughly scanned,” another senior officer said.
According to probe findings, the gunmen allegedly followed Rath’s vehicle before launching the attack.
“The escape route of the gunmen indicates that they were familiar with the locality, or local criminals might have assisted them. Without local support, fleeing through the lanes so quickly would have been difficult,” the officer added.
The police, however, are yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder.
The police and detective department officers have launched extensive searches in and around Madhyamgram near Kolkata.
Heavy deployment of police and central forces has also been made in the area since the murder occurred on Wednesday night.
"A motorcycle used in the crime was registered in 2012 in the name of a resident of Burnpur in Asansol. However, the police found that no person by that name currently resides at the address given during the vehicle registration process," another officer said.
