Geography & BiodiversityImportant2026-03-16

Site Management Plans Submitted for Maratha UNESCO Nomination

In News

What Happened

On March 16, 2026, the Union Government detailed the comprehensive Site Management Plans submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for 12 forts, including Shivneri Fort. These forts constitute the Maratha Military Landscapes of India. The plans outline frameworks for conservation, visitor management, and community engagement managed jointly by the Archaeological Survey of India and state archaeology directorates.

Why It Matters

This formalizes the long-term protection and sustainable tourism strategy for these historic forts following their UNESCO World Heritage recognition. It ensures that India meets global heritage conservation standards while safeguarding local community rights and promoting regional history.

Background

History & Context

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, comprising 11 forts in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025 during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. To sustain this prestigious status, a formal management framework was required. On March 16, 2026, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism updated the Lok Sabha on the execution of these site management plans.

What Changed

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Conservation Approach: BEFORE: Forts were managed through isolated state and central protocols without a unified international framework. NOW: A comprehensive Site Management Plan specifies short, medium, and long-term deliverables for all 12 forts as a single serial property.
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Visitor and Community Integration: BEFORE: Tourism infrastructure and community engagement lacked standardized guidelines across the diverse forts. NOW: Formal strategies for interpretation, mobility, and community outreach are integrated, ensuring that traditional livelihoods in buffer zones remain protected.
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Administrative Coordination: BEFORE: The Archaeological Survey of India and state directorates operated with separate jurisdictions lacking a joint global strategy. NOW: Roles are clearly delineated under a unified UNESCO-compliant strategy, with the ASI managing eight forts and state directorates managing the remaining four.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This development links to Class 11 Fine Arts Chapter 8, Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture. While the chapter covers broad architectural evolution, the Maratha military forts represent a distinct regional adaptation of defensive architecture, masterfully utilizing natural topography as a strategic military tool.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, consider the following statements: 1. The property is inscribed under the natural criteria of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its integration with the Sahyadri mountain ranges. 2. All twelve forts included in this serial nomination are located exclusively in the state of Maharashtra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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