Raigad Hill Fort Closure: Tourists Rescued, Site Closed Until July

Authorities have rescued numerous tourists and trekkers stranded at Raigad hill fort near Mumbai due to heavy rainfall, officials reported on Monday. The fort, situated approximately 170 km from Mumbai, is now off-limits to visitors until July 31.

Heavy Rains Cause Disruption

The Raigad district in Maharashtra's Konkan region experienced significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. This led to many visitors being trapped at the fort, a historical site that once served as the capital of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

An official from Mahad police station mentioned that tourists struggled to navigate the 'Payri Marg' (step way) of the fort due to flood-like conditions. A video circulating on social media showed some individuals stuck at the location.

Rescue Operations Initiated

Teams from Raigad police and district administration promptly arrived at the scene to evacuate the stranded tourists and trekkers. "There was no cloud burst, but there is heavy rainfall in the area," said an official, noting that Mhasala, Srivardhan, and Mahad tehsils also experienced heavy showers.

Given the severe weather conditions, authorities decided to close Raigad fort for tourists and trekkers until July 31. However, they confirmed that the ropeway leading to the fort would remain operational during this period.

The swift action by local authorities ensured that all those stranded were safely evacuated without any reported injuries or incidents. The decision to close the fort aims to prevent further risks and ensure visitor safety amid ongoing heavy rains.

This incident highlights the importance of monitoring weather conditions closely when planning visits to historical sites, especially during monsoon season in regions prone to heavy rainfall.