Mumbai, Oct 29 The RPG Foundation has adopted Mumbai’s historic Sewri Fort for conservation under a Maharashtra government scheme, while efforts are underway to preserve Worli Fort and promote the city’s heritage through community participation and women’s empowerment, officials said on Thursday.
An official release said the initiatives are being undertaken through the foundation’s heritage project at Banganga, Worli Koliwada and Sewri Fort, with focus on conservation, documentation of local traditions, infrastructure development and livelihood generation.
The project has reached more than 50,000 people and supported over 270 women in livelihood generation and entrepreneurship, the release said.
The foundation adopted Sewri Fort under the state’s Vaibhav Sangopan scheme following approval from the cultural affairs department. Plans include developing a museum and information centre at the fort to showcase its history, culture, environment and links with Mumbai’s maritime heritage, enabling citizens and tourists to learn about the historic site, it said.
Efforts are also underway to extend heritage conservation work in Worli Koliwada to Worli Fort, with focus on preserving the history, traditions, lifestyle and cultural identity of the Koli fishing community, the release said.
More than 71 streetlights, 30 information boards and seven public murals have been installed in Worli Koliwada to improve infrastructure and showcase the area’s cultural heritage, the release said.
Over 120 women from Worli Koliwada have received support for skill development and entrepreneurship. Through the ‘Chefs of Koliwada’ initiative, women have promoted traditional Koli cuisine at food festivals and exhibitions, providing opportunities to showcase their skills and generate livelihoods.
At the historic Banganga Tank precinct, more than 150 women have received training in entrepreneurship, tailoring and health-related subjects. The initiative has also connected over 500 tourists with the heritage site through various programmes and experiential activities, it said.
“The project seeks to preserve not only historic structures but also the traditions, art, cuisine and lifestyles of local communities, while improving civic amenities, empowering women economically and promoting tourism. The heritage conservation initiatives are being advanced with the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” the release said.
(PTI News)
