Tourist's Tragic Death at Rajgad Fort Underscores Safety Failures
The death of a 52-year-old tourist at Rajgad Fort on Saturday has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the severe lack of basic safety, medical, and emergency response facilities at one of Maharashtra's most frequented heritage destinations. This incident has reignited urgent calls for systemic improvements to prevent future tragedies.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Sandeep Balkrishna Pawar, a resident of Baramati, collapsed while descending from the Balekilla (citadel) area of Rajgad Fort on Saturday morning. Despite immediate efforts by fellow trekkers and locals, Pawar could not be revived. He was later declared dead due to cardiac arrest at a rural government hospital in Velhe. While the official cause was attributed to a heart attack, the circumstances surrounding his death reveal deeper, long-ignored issues.
Systemic Neglect at a Popular Trekking Destination
Rajgad Fort, a prominent historic site and major trekking destination, attracts hundreds of visitors every weekend. However, it lacks even the most fundamental safety and emergency support systems. There is no permanent medical post, no stationed ambulance, no emergency response team, and no structured evacuation mechanism in place. Eyewitnesses reported that Pawar collapsed suddenly, and assistance was severely delayed due to the steep terrain, absence of medical equipment, and lack of trained first responders.
A trekker present at the scene stated, "He did not respond to any movement. There was no medical help available on the fort. Precious time was lost in bringing him down." Forest department guards and local youth eventually assisted in shifting Pawar to the base village, from where he was taken to a government hospital by police and declared dead.
Broader Concerns and Expert Warnings
Conservationists and activists emphasize that this is not an isolated issue. Heritage activist Datta Nalawade highlighted, "Every weekend, thousands of tourists climb forts like Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Torna. Yet, the administration has failed to put in place basic medical and rescue infrastructure." Locals have repeatedly raised concerns about overcrowding, slippery paths, lack of signage, absence of lighting, and poor mobile connectivity on the fort.
Velhe resident Akash Sangde explained, "There are no first aid centres, stretchers, trained rescue staff, or clear emergency protocols in place. In case of accidents, fractures, or medical emergencies, reaching help becomes a significant challenge." Experts note that the growing popularity of monsoon trekking has not been matched by investments in safety, turning historic forts into high-risk zones during peak seasons.
Demands for Immediate Action
Following Saturday's incident, demands have intensified for the state government to deploy medical teams, emergency vehicles, trained rescue personnel, and basic safety infrastructure, especially on weekends and holidays. Heritage and trekking groups are urging authorities to regulate crowd numbers, install warning signage, and create dedicated emergency response units at the base of major forts.
Veteran mountaineer Umesh Zirpe warned, "As Rajgad continues to draw large crowds, Pawar's death serves as a grim reminder that heritage tourism without safety planning can turn fatal, and administrative neglect may cost more lives unless urgent corrective steps are taken." He recommended several measures to enhance visitor safety statewide, including arranging 24x7 basic medical aid and involving private agencies or NGOs if government resources are insufficient.
Ongoing Risks and Future Implications
Trekkers also pointed out that basic facilities are lacking at the fort, and many visitors arrive without adequate physical fitness, contributing to unfortunate deaths in recent years. With many forts gaining UNESCO status and visitor numbers expected to rise, the need for robust safety measures has never been more critical. This tragedy underscores the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms to protect tourists and preserve Maharashtra's rich heritage responsibly.
