RPG Foundation adopts Sewri Fort under state heritage scheme, eyes Worli Fort conservation

Heritage conservation initiatives are gaining momentum in Mumbai, aimed at preserving the city's historical, cultural and folk traditions and passing them on to future generations. The initiatives are moving ahead with the special support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. With approval from the Maharashtra government's Cultural Affairs Department under its Vaibhav Sangopan scheme, the RPG Foundation has adopted Sewri Fort for upkeep.

The same scheme also aims to promote the conservation of Worli Fort. Efforts to preserve Mumbai's heritage are under way on several fronts: protecting historic structures, documenting local culture, improving civic amenities and creating jobs for local communities.

Sewri Fort, on Mumbai's eastern coast, is an important part of the city's maritime history. The RPG Foundation has adopted it to preserve its historical character and give it a fresh identity. A museum and an information centre are planned to tell people about the fort's history, culture and environment, and its link with Mumbai's maritime heritage. Citizens and tourists will thus be able to experience the city's historical legacy.

Through The Heritage Project, an RPG Foundation initiative, the conservation of Banganga, Worli Koliwada and Sewri Fort is being pursued with an emphasis on research, public participation, cultural activities, infrastructure development and women's empowerment. The initiative has so far reached more than 50,000 citizens, and more than 270 women have been helped with livelihoods and entrepreneurship.

At Worli Fort, the aim is to carry the heritage conservation work done in Worli Koliwada up to the fort. The emphasis is on preserving the history, traditions, lifestyle and cultural identity of the Koli community and taking this heritage to as many people as possible. In Worli Koliwada, more than 71 streetlights, more than 30 information boards and more than seven public murals have been installed. This has improved infrastructure in the area and given the Koli community's cultural heritage a public platform.

More than 120 women in Worli Koliwada have been helped with skill development and entrepreneurship. Through the "Chefs of Koliwada" initiative, the women have given traditional Koli cuisine a new identity. Taking part in various food festivals and exhibitions gives their skills a platform, and this also contributes to preserving local traditions and creating jobs.

At the Banganga Tank area in Mumbai too, work is under way to convey the history and cultural significance of the site alongside conservation. Under the initiative, more than 150 women have been given training in entrepreneurship, tailoring and health. More than 500 tourists have been connected with the heritage site through various events and experiential activities.

Mumbai's heritage is not limited to historic structures. It also lives on in the traditions, arts, cuisine and lifestyle of local communities. Alongside conservation, therefore, improving civic amenities in the area, empowering women economically and promoting tourism have gained importance. Through the Vaibhav Sangopan scheme, the upkeep of structures such as Sewri and Worli forts is seen to be succeeding owing to the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.