Downhill bike race on Sinhagad Fort sparks row; archaeology department to act against organisers

Pune, October 27, 2026: A row has broken out over a downhill mountain biking competition held on the historic Sinhagad Fort on Sunday. The forest department says the organisers violated the conditions of their permission, while the state archaeology department has decided to initiate action against them for holding the event without its approval.

The competition was organised by Zoravan and billed as a test of speed, courage and endurance. Twenty-eight riders from nine countries took part, among them Douglas from Brazil and Virendra Mali from India. After events in Sikkim and Ladakh, the competition was held at Sinhagad. The announced route included the Sinh caves, the Maruti temple and other sections.

On Sunday morning, however, with the fort crowded with visitors, cyclists were seen racing along its paths and steps. This angered tourists and fort enthusiasts.

The forest department had permitted ZLS Downhill Mountain Biking Pune to hold a race on the Sinhagad trail from October 22 to 25, subject to several conditions, including arrangements to protect the forest area and wildlife. According to officials, the organisers violated the stipulated rules and also did not disclose that the race would start from inside the fort.

The race is reported to have started from the steps inside the Pune Darwaza. This briefly blocked the way to the gate. Both visitors who had trekked up and those who arrived in vehicles were inconvenienced. People complained that the event was conducted in a dangerous manner.

Activists and fort enthusiasts have also protested. They questioned why a site of historical importance should be used for commercial sporting events. They said they have no objection to sports competitions, but to activities that could harm the fort's heritage, the safety of tourists and local interests.

The activists said, "Sinhagad is not just a tourist spot, it is a symbol of the valour of Swarajya. Protecting its sanctity is true devotion to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj." They appealed to the administration to reconsider permitting such events at historically sensitive sites. They also alleged that the organisers misused the permission granted by the forest department to take the competition inside the fort.

Range Forest Officer Manoj Barbole said the organisers had obtained permission from the forest department but violated the conditions imposed on them. Barbole said, "They had not told us that the race would start from the fort. We will take further action as required."

Vilas Wahane, Assistant Director of the state archaeology department, said the organisers had not sought the department's permission before the event. Wahane said, "Sinhagad is a historic monument, and any activity that could damage its structures is not acceptable. We will examine the details of the permission granted by the forest department and take action against those responsible."

The organisers could not be reached for their response.