Dry Leaves Spark Blaze at Ancient Shaniwarwada Fort

A fire incident on Thursday afternoon caused damage to the Narayan Darwaja, a historically significant teak wood door at the rear of Pune's Shaniwarwada fort. The blaze was reportedly sparked by accumulated dry leaves and tree branches. Firefighters from the Kasba Peth station responded swiftly to the call received around 12:30 PM. Upon dousing the flames, they observed that the door, named in memory of Narayanrao Peshwa, sustained burns and damage.

Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, noting that the site is typically maintained. Ward officer Pradeep Avhad stated that a decision on filing an offense would be made after the investigation report is available. Shaniwarwada, a fortified palace built in 1732, holds significant historical importance, witnessing key events and gruesome deaths in the Peshwa era.

Local residents have pointed to a long-pending issue of garbage mismanagement near the monument. They advocate for increased focus on cleanliness drives around Shaniwarwada and other historic sites in the vicinity to prevent future incidents. The Narayan Darwaja itself is noted in history as the exit point for Narayanrao Peshwa's final rites after his assassination in 1773.