The Maharashtra government is taking a new approach to heritage conservation by planning to tap Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and private contributions for the upkeep of the state’s historic monuments. To facilitate this effort, the state is in the process of establishing an independent not-for-profit entity named “Maha Varsa”, which will serve as a dedicated platform for raising and managing funds for heritage preservation.
The proposed organisation will be registered as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, allowing it to function as a non-profit body focused on cultural and public-interest activities. Through this mechanism, the government aims to overcome a major limitation faced by the State Archaeology Department, which currently lacks the authority to directly mobilise CSR funding from private companies.
Maharashtra is home to hundreds of historically significant structures, including forts, temples, caves, tanks, and monuments that are protected by the state. According to official data, the State Archaeology Department manages around 386 heritage sites. These include well-known landmarks such as Banganga Tank in Mumbai, Mahim Fort, Sewri Fort, Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur, Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, and Kandhar Fort in Nanded. Despite their cultural and historical importance, many of these sites have struggled with inadequate maintenance due to funding constraints and administrative challenges.
Government officials believe that Maha Varsa will create a sustainable funding stream for routine upkeep, conservation activities, security arrangements, waste management, visitor amenities, and infrastructure improvements. While government grants generally support restoration and capital expenditure projects, daily maintenance often requires a consistent flow of funds, something that has been difficult to ensure through existing budgetary mechanisms.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of several heritage sites facing deterioration over the years. Reports have highlighted instances where conservation efforts were delayed or remained incomplete because of insufficient resources and bureaucratic hurdles. Officials hope that the new funding model will help bridge these gaps and ensure that heritage structures receive timely attention and care.
Maha Varsa is expected to operate through a three-tier governance structure. At the top will be a policy board chaired by the state’s cultural minister and comprising experts such as historians, architects, bureaucrats, and CSR contributors. An executive committee led by the cultural secretary will oversee the allocation and utilisation of funds. At the district level, committees headed by collectors will coordinate local conservation and maintenance activities, enabling quicker decision-making and improved accountability.
The new model is also designed to improve coordination among various government departments and agencies that often share responsibility for heritage sites. Many monuments are located on forest land or under the jurisdiction of local bodies, making conservation efforts complex. By bringing stakeholders together under one framework, the government expects smoother implementation of projects and better preservation outcomes.
Officials have indicated that the process of constituting the governing bodies has been completed and the registration of the company is currently underway. Once operational, Maha Varsa is expected to become a dedicated vehicle for mobilising CSR resources and private support, helping Maharashtra safeguard its rich cultural legacy for future generations.
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