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Fire at Daulatabad Fort: A significant fire erupted at Daulatabad Fort (also known as Devgiri Fort) in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district on April 8, 2025.
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Damage Assessment & Disaster Management: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated damage assessment and is planning a disaster management strategy in response to the fire.
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Extent of Damage: The fire scorched large areas of grassland and vegetation within the fort, raising concerns about the monument’s safety and ecological balance. The Baradari (pavilion at the summit) was also affected.
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Impact on Wildlife: The fire disrupted local wildlife, with monkeys and peacocks observed scavenging for food in the charred areas, having lost significant portions of their habitat, especially the shrublands near the Mendha Cannon.
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Challenges Faced: Firefighters faced challenges due to the fort’s steep terrain. Fort staff assisted in transporting water from the Moti tank.
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Historical Significance: Daulatabad Fort is a UNESCO-nominated heritage site that served as the capital of multiple dynasties.
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Disaster Preparedness: Authorities are prioritizing the development of a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response mechanism to safeguard the fort from future threats.
