Journalism of Courage
Sharing a fate similar to its neighbouring fort Tikona,Tung is another fort that has fallen prey to apathy and neglect
A striking feature that binds the forts of Maharashtra is the fact that while they have all played important roles in the collective formation of the Maratha history,very little work has been done on the grass root level to maintain and preserve them. Ironically a lot of them display the same properties that connect them. Broken wall ramparts,raised temples within the fort premises,and narrow or virtually unknown approaches to climb all the way to the top. Sharing a fate similar to its neighbour- Tikona,the fort of Tung is one that has fallen into utter neglect owing to both-natural and man-made problems.
The blank resigned look in his eyes have however given way to some hope. The members of the Shivdurga Samvardhan,who are also working on the restoration of the nearby Tikona fort,have taken it upon themselves to work on the restoration of the Tung too. A lot more,however,needs to be done, acknowledges Shedge.
A popular destination with trekkers,Sachin Kharve,a localite who helps Shedge with the day to day administration of the fort says that even the trekkers have not made anything easier for them. They dirty the place whenever they come. Mostly only on weekends. But the amount of garbage is a lot. I help out Shedge every week in cleaning,and the basic maintainence of the fort. Currently as a part of the restoration,work like installing a new flag pole,making a proper approach road,and restoring the temple are top priorities for the organisation.
Pointing out another strange fact,Shedge says that while no one is questioned if any broken ramparts or walls or other structures of the fort are taken away,questions do arise if someone comes forward to help maintain it. It is strange. No one maintains the place,and when someone tries to come forward and help there are rules that prevent you. I wonder what we will hand down to our future generations as markers of our history? he asks cynically.
