Pune: In an effort to raise awareness about the nomination of Maharashtra’s forts as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the district administration of Pune has launched a series of competitions involving schools and village councils.

As part of this campaign, district and taluka-level fort-making competitions will be held across schools, with village councils and educational institutions encouraged to participate.

Dr. Suhas Divase, the District Collector, has called on village councils and schools to engage in these initiatives, which aim to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage through innovative activities and programs.

These activities will include the creation of detailed and historically accurate models of forts, initiatives to promote the preservation, conservation, and cleanliness of these historical structures, and the showcasing of traditional artifacts such as coins, weapons, and utensils.

Additionally, screenings of documentaries and exhibitions related to Shivaji, the forts, and the Maratha Empire will take place, along with lectures, traditional games, and competitions inspired by the Shivaji era.

The competition offers substantial prizes, with the first prize at the district level set at ₹5 lakh, the second prize at ₹2.5 lakh, and the third prize at ₹1.25 lakh.

In addition, five villages that demonstrate outstanding participation will receive ₹1 crore each under public and urban development schemes. At the taluka level, the first prize will be ₹1 lakh, the second prize ₹50,000, and the third prize ₹25,000, with five top-performing villages also receiving ₹50 lakh each under the same schemes.

Participants must submit their applications to the Tehsildar or Group Development Officer’s office between September 18 and 19. For further details, interested parties are advised to contact the Group Education Officer at the Tehsil Office or Panchayat Samiti.

The initiative, spearheaded by the district administration, aims to foster a deeper connection to Maharashtra's historical legacy.