October 10, 2025: Mumbai’s 13th-century Mahim Fort is set to undergo a major restoration and beautification drive, jointly undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Archaeology Department. The project follows the removal of long-standing encroachments that had obscured the historic site for decades.
“The conservation and beautification of the entire Mahim Fort area will be executed jointly by the BMC, its consultants, and the Archaeology Department,” said state Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who recently inspected the site. He added that a meeting to finalize the restoration roadmap has been scheduled at Mantralaya next week. Officials from the BMC, Archaeology Department, Public Works Department, and Heritage Department consultants, along with Mumbai Police, attended the inspection.
The Mahim Fort, originally constructed by King Bhimdev (Bhimbraj) in the 13th century, stands as one of Mumbai’s oldest surviving landmarks. It was attacked by the Sultan of Gujarat in the 14th century and later rebuilt by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Fort occupies one acre, surrounded by two acres of open coastal land that once formed part of its defense perimeter.
Over the years, unauthorized settlements had encroached upon the site, diminishing its heritage value. However, with the encroachments cleared, the fort’s revival is now in motion. “As a result, today, Mahim Fort can breathe freely once again,” said Shelar, expressing optimism about restoring the monument’s cultural and historical significance.
Source: The Asian Age
