Attention Punekars! Sinhagad Fort Closed On June 3-4 As Authorities Intensify Anti-Encroachment Drive

An anti-encroachment operation has been underway at Sinhagad Fort since May 29, 2025. Due to the inaccessibility of vehicles on the fort, all RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) structures are being dismantled manually.

Despite challenging conditions such as strong winds at the hilltop, the Forest Department, Archaeology Department, Revenue Department, Police, Public Works Department, and Zilla Parishad have made relentless efforts to remove almost all unauthorized structures. Only a few RCC structures remain to be cleared, and that work is expected to be completed within the next two days.

Mahadev Mohite (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Forest Division) highlighted that, in view of this, Sinhagad Fort will remain completely closed to all citizens, tourists, and trekkers on 3rd and 4th June 2025, including those approaching via foot trails. All are kindly requested to cooperate with the authorities and avoid visiting the fort during this period.

As soon as pre-monsoon showers hit the district, Punekars take their bikes and cars out and head towards Mulshi, Sinhagad Fort, Khadakwasla cluster dams, and Lonavala-Mahabaleshwar. However, since the last two weeks, the traffic snarls at Sinhagad Fort, Lonavala, and Mahabaleshwar roads from Pune have troubled Punekars.