Daulatabad fort scorched again; massive blaze spreads across 300 acres

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The historic Daulatabad Fort, also known as Devgiri Fort, was once again engulfed in flames on Wednesday, barely 11 months after a similar incident. The fire suddenly broke out on the upper part of the fort in the morning. Staff of the Archaeological Survey of India rushed to control the blaze, but strong winds caused it to spread across nearly 300 acres around the fort. After strenuous efforts, the fire was brought under control around 4.30 pm, by which time large parts of the fort’s surroundings had been blackened by ash.

The fire reportedly started around 8.45 am in dry grass near the Janardan Swami Temple. Staff initially attempted to douse the flames using water from vehicles stationed at the fort, but gusty winds helped the fire spread rapidly. Beginning from the western side, the flames moved around the fort and reached the southern areas, even approaching the Ganesh Temple. Due to the fort’s steep and rugged terrain, it took nearly eight hours for the fire to be completely controlled.

Efforts to control the blaze

Officials and staff of the Archaeological Survey of India, along with personnel from the fire brigade, police and forest department, worked relentlessly to contain the fire using three fire tenders. Among those involved in the operation were conservation assistant Sanjay Rohankar, monument attendants Ravindra Ghate, Sitaram Dhanayat, Sanjay Ghusale, Santosh Jadhav, Kishor Bodkhe and Syed Mehmood Syed Kader Ali. Personnel from Daulatabad Police Station, tourism police and forest officials also assisted in the firefighting efforts.

Grass cleared along pathway

Dry grass had been cleared up to about 15 feet on both sides of the pathway leading to the fort, ensuring that visitors did not face danger. However, other areas on the steep slopes still had dry vegetation. Officials suspect that the fire may have been triggered by a cigarette butt or a matchstick discarded by someone during the morning hours.

Wildlife feared affected

The fort area is home to a large number of peacocks and monitor lizards. There are concerns that some of these animals may have been injured or killed in the blaze.

Similar incident last year

A similar fire had broken out on April 8 last year, when flames raged for nearly 12 hours. The cause of that fire also remained unclear. The latest incident occurred just 11 months after that event.

Only grass burnt

Following last year’s incident, water pumps were installed near four natural water sources on the fort. Conservation assistant, Archaeological Survey of India Sanjay Rohankar, said these helped in controlling the blaze this time, and only dry grass was burnt while no structural damage was reported.

Concerns over lack of preventive measures

“After last year’s incident, a memorandum was submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India regarding preventive measures. However, no action was taken. As a result, the same situation has occurred again,” said co-convenor INTACH, adv Swapnil Joshi,

Questions remain

---If visitors are checked at the entrance, how do cigarettes and matchboxes still make their way inside the fort?

---Is there no effective solution to clear dry grass on the steep slopes?

--- Why is the use of drones not being considered to control such fires quickly?