Bhandara News: The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step toward assessing and protecting the historic Bhandara and Bhamchandra hills near Dehu, which are closely associated with the spiritual legacy of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar has directed the concerned authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the area and submit a detailed report within one month.
The direction was issued during a high-level joint meeting in Mumbai that focused on the present condition, conservation and protection of the historically and spiritually important hill region.
The move comes after the Tapobhumi Sanrakshak Sangharsh Samiti raised concerns over alleged illegal excavation and unauthorized construction and sought stronger government intervention to safeguard the area.
Government Sets One-Month Deadline
Minister Ashish Shelar directed the administration to complete the assessment within the next month and submit a detailed report covering the current situation and the measures required for protection.
Several government departments are connected with different aspects of the region. Considering this, the minister emphasized the importance of coordination between the concerned authorities.
The Chief Secretary has been instructed to coordinate with the relevant departments and ensure that the assessment is carried out effectively.
Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Kiran Kulkarni has also been asked to coordinate the process and ensure that the required information from different departments is compiled for the final report.
The assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the present condition of the hills and help determine the next steps for their conservation.
State Protected Monument Proposal Under Discussion
The issue of granting formal legal protection to the site was also discussed during the meeting.
According to the Archaeology Department, a draft notification concerning the declaration of the site as a State Protected Monument was prepared in 2011.
The proposal was later returned in 2017 after the Law and Judiciary Department suggested certain modifications. The Archaeology Department subsequently incorporated the required changes and submitted a revised proposal to the Law and Judiciary Department in 2025.
The status of this proposal was reviewed during the latest meeting, bringing renewed focus to the demand for formal protection of the region.
Illegal Excavation Draws Attention
Alleged illegal excavation in the hill area was another major issue discussed during the meeting.
Officials from the District Administration and MIDC presented information regarding the situation and the action being taken by the authorities.
Officials also informed the meeting that a joint committee has been constituted to inspect and investigate excavation-related activities in the area.
The committee will examine the situation on the ground and assess the relevant issues before submitting its findings to the administration.
The issue has gained importance amid demands from local representatives and heritage supporters for stronger measures to protect the area's historical and cultural character.
Committee Demands Permanent Protection
The Tapobhumi Sanrakshak Sangharsh Samiti has been seeking permanent protection for the Bhandara and Bhamchandra hills, citing their historical, cultural and spiritual importance.
The organization has urged the government to take effective action against unauthorized construction and illegal excavation. It has also requested that the process related to the State Protected Monument notification be expedited.
The government's decision to seek a comprehensive report within one month is therefore an important development in the ongoing efforts to determine how the region should be protected and managed.
Key Officials Present at Mumbai Meeting
The meeting was held at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.
Madhusudan Patil Maharaj, founder president of the Tapobhumi Sanrakshak Sangharsh Samiti, attended the meeting along with representatives of the organization.
Senior officials from the Archaeology Department, district administration, police administration, MIDC and other concerned departments were also present.
What Happens After the One-Month Deadline?
The immediate focus will now be on the comprehensive assessment report ordered by the government.
The report is expected to document the current situation and help authorities determine appropriate measures concerning conservation, legal protection and regulation of activities in the area.
For devotees, heritage supporters and others connected with the spiritual legacy of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the coming month could be significant.
The larger question now is whether the government's latest assessment will lead to stronger legal protection and effective action against unauthorized activities in the Bhandara-Bhamchandra hill region.