The Chittorgarh district administration on Sunday launched a major anti-encroachment drive at the historic Chittorgarh Fort, targeting illegal constructions and encroachments that have proliferated over the years. Accompanied by a heavy police force, officials reached the fort around 5 am and began demolition and clearance operations.
Panic Among Encroachers
The action created panic among encroachers as authorities moved in to remove unauthorised structures. A large police contingent remained deployed throughout the operation to maintain law and order.
ASI Identifies Over 209 Encroachments
According to officials, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has identified more than 209 residential and commercial encroachments within the fort area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include temporary structures, hotels, restaurants, houses, and other permanent constructions.
The district administration directed officials to immediately halt all ongoing construction activities within the fort premises and remove illegal structures as per legal provisions. Authorities were also instructed to register FIRs where required and enforce notices previously issued by the archaeology department.
Protected Under Ancient Monuments Act
Officials said the entire area within the fort’s ramparts is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which prohibits construction, reconstruction, repairs, or encroachments without approval from the Central Government.
Archaeology department nodal officer Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said complaints regarding illegal encroachments had been received for a long time. During Sunday’s operation, encroachments spread across nearly 14,000 square feet in front of Rana Ratan Singh Mahal were demolished. A multi-storey illegal structure near an archaeology department outpost was also razed using bulldozers.
Drive Continues Throughout Day
The drive continued throughout the day, with officials indicating that further action against other major encroachments is likely. Local residents said that if the campaign continues impartially and consistently, it could become the biggest effort to make the World Heritage fort encroachment-free.
The operation was carried out after nearly a decade and was supervised by senior officials from the administration, police, archaeology department, and Municipal Council.
