Heritage Preservation and Women’s Empowerment to Be Promoted at Banganga, Worli Koliwada and Sewri Fort
Mumbai, October 2026: Initiatives to preserve Mumbai’s rich historical, cultural and traditional heritage are gaining momentum with the special support of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The efforts aim to protect the city’s historic landmarks and pass their legacy on to future generations while promoting local culture, improving civic amenities and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Under the Maharashtra government’s Vaibhav Sangopan Scheme, the RPG Foundation has adopted the historic Sewri Fort for conservation, following approval from the state’s Department of Cultural Affairs. Efforts are also being undertaken to promote the preservation of Worli Fort under the same scheme.
Through its initiative, The Heritage Project, the RPG Foundation is focusing on research, community participation, cultural activities, infrastructure development and women’s empowerment at Banganga, Worli Koliwada and Sewri Fort.
The initiative has reached more than 50,000 citizens and supported over 270 women in developing livelihood opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Sewri Fort to Be Preserved Under Vaibhav Sangopan Scheme
Located along Mumbai’s eastern coastline, the historic Sewri Fort is an important part of the city’s maritime heritage. The RPG Foundation has adopted the fort for conservation under the state government’s Vaibhav Sangopan Scheme, with approval from the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Plans include developing a museum and information centre to showcase the fort’s history, cultural significance, environmental importance and connection with Mumbai’s maritime past.
The proposed facilities are expected to highlight the historical value of the site and provide residents and tourists with an opportunity to explore Mumbai’s heritage.
Conservation of Worli Fort Gets Priority
Efforts are also being made to conserve Worli Fort under the Vaibhav Sangopan Scheme. The objective is to extend heritage preservation initiatives in Worli Koliwada to the fort while documenting and promoting the history, traditions, lifestyle and cultural identity of the Koli fishing community.
As part of the heritage development work in Worli Koliwada, more than 71 streetlights, over 30 information boards and at least seven public murals have been installed.
These initiatives have helped improve local infrastructure while providing greater visibility to the cultural heritage and traditions of the Koli community.
Promoting Entrepreneurship Among Koli Women
More than 120 women in Worli Koliwada have received support for skill development and entrepreneurship.
Through the initiative Chefs of Koliwada, women have been promoting traditional Koli cuisine and giving it wider recognition. Their participation in food festivals and exhibitions has provided a platform to showcase their culinary skills.
The initiative seeks to preserve local food traditions while creating livelihood opportunities and encouraging women to become economically independent.
Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Banganga
Conservation efforts are also underway around Mumbai’s historic Banganga Tank, with an emphasis on preserving its cultural significance and making its history accessible to the public.
Under the initiative, more than 150 women have received training in entrepreneurship, tailoring and health-related subjects.
Various programmes and experiential activities have also helped connect more than 500 tourists with the heritage site, encouraging greater public engagement with Mumbai’s cultural legacy.
Heritage Conservation for Inclusive Development
Mumbai’s heritage extends beyond historic buildings and monuments. It also lives on through the traditions, arts, cuisine and lifestyles of its local communities.
Accordingly, the conservation initiatives combine the preservation of historic structures with improvements in civic amenities, women’s economic empowerment and the promotion of tourism.
Through the Vaibhav Sangopan Scheme, the Maharashtra government aims to strengthen conservation efforts at important landmarks such as Sewri Fort and Worli Fort, with support from the RPG Foundation.
These initiatives seek to ensure that Mumbai’s historical landmarks and living cultural traditions remain accessible to future generations while contributing to community development and sustainable tourism.
