Bhilwara: The Chittorgarh district administration Sunday launched a major anti-encroachment drive at 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.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.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, which includes 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 dept.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 dept 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 dept outpost was also razed using bulldozers.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 dept and Municipal Council.
