In a move aimed at preserving one of Maharashtra’s most popular heritage destinations, authorities will enforce a ban on single-use plastic at Sinhagad Fort starting 1st June.
Alongside, a refundable bottle deposit system will be introduced to encourage visitors to manage waste responsibly. The historic fort, a favoured destination for trekkers and tourists, has struggled with rising plastic pollution. Littered bottles, bags, and wrappers have increasingly damaged the fort’s natural landscape, impacted local fauna, and polluted water sources. From next month, visitors will be prohibited from carrying plastic bottles, bags, wrappers, and cutlery to the site. Entry points will be equipped with security checks, and any restricted items will be confiscated. As part of the new system, those wishing to carry water bottles must pay a refundable deposit at the gate. The deposit will be returned when visitors exit, provided they return the empty bottle.
Fines will be levied on those violating the ban or failing to return bottles, and repeat offenders could face higher penalties or even be denied future entry. This initiative follows a broader state-wide push to safeguard heritage sites while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Officials say the plastic ban at Sinhagad is not only a step towards conserving the fort’s ecology but also sets a benchmark for similar sites across India.
By implementing environmentally conscious tourism models, authorities aim to encourage behavioural change among visitors and establish long-term conservation mechanisms at iconic cultural landmarks.
