State Government removes encroachment on Mahim Fort

• Daily ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ had raised voice against encroachment on forts

• Gate of the fort opened after several years

• More than 80% of the encroachers were religious fanatics

• Fort hikers will celebrate Deepotsav (festival of lights) at the fort

Encroachment by religious fanatics

Mumbai – The encroachment on the Mahim fort, where the entire fort was encroached upon, is finally removed by the State Government. Over the past many years, the encroachers had closed the main gate of the fort and built houses inside the fort right from the entrance. Now, after removing this encroachment, the main gate of the fort has been opened after many years and on the day of Dhantrayodashi (10th November) from 4.30 p.m. onwards, a Deepotsav (festival of lights) will be celebrated at the fort by the fort hikers.

After the encroachment was cleared

The encroachers had encroached from the entrance to the inner part of the fort by putting an iron net on the main entrance of this fort. A total of 267 unauthorised houses were built on the fort. Over 80% of the encroachers were religious fanatics. All these constructions have been demolished. Fort hikers have been continuously demanding for the removal of encroachment on this fort for many years. The State Government, the Survey of Archaeology and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have jointly taken action to remove the encroachments on this fort.

Encroachers get flats from the Government

Under the Slum Rehabilitation Act, pre-2009 slum dwellers are given flats by the Government. Under this Act, 267 people encroaching on Mahim Fort have been given flats by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. All of them have been given flats under slum rehabilitation scheme, MHADA, as well as other schemes.

History of Mahim Fort

Mahim Fort is owned by the State Archaeological Department and is the oldest fort in Mumbai. In ancient times, King Pratapbimba built his empire on the sea coast of Mumbai. At that time, he chose Mahikavati (now Mahim) as his capital. This place is named Mahim after the name of Goddess Mahikavati. There is a history that the fort of Mahim was built during the reign of King Pratapbimba, i.e., around the 14th century. This fort has been declared as a State Protected Monument. The historical significance of this fort was lost due to encroachment.