Man Confronts Delhi Tourists Over Smoking at Lohagad Fort, ASI Rules Explained

A viral video from Maharashtra's historic Lohagad Fort has sparked widespread discussion over visitor behaviour at protected heritage sites after a local man confronted a group of tourists, reportedly from Delhi, for smoking cigarettes on the fort premises. The incident, captured in a video lasting nearly two minutes, has renewed attention on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regulations that prohibit the consumption and possession of tobacco products and other prohibited items inside protected monuments. While the date and authenticity of the video have not been independently verified, it has generated extensive debate on social media about preserving India's historical landmarks.

In the video, the local man is seen questioning the tourists over who had permitted them to smoke inside the fort. The visitors reportedly responded that they were unaware of any such restrictions and claimed there were no signboards prohibiting smoking at the site. The man, however, insisted that visitors should exercise common sense, comparing the fort to a place of worship and stating that it should be treated with the same respect. Towards the end of the exchange, he warned that he could lodge a police complaint and asked the tourists to surrender their cigarettes.

The incident has also highlighted the rules laid down by the Archaeological Survey of India for protected monuments. According to ASI guidelines, visitors are prohibited from consuming or possessing tobacco products, cigarettes, gutkha, pan masala, alcohol and other intoxicants within protected monuments. The rules also prohibit carrying matches, lighters, candles and other flammable materials. Additionally, damaging monument walls by carving names or causing any form of defacement is a punishable offence, while flying drones or using tripods at many protected sites requires prior written permission.

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Authorities have repeatedly urged visitors not to treat historical monuments as picnic or party venues and have emphasised that preserving the dignity and heritage of such sites is the collective responsibility of the public. Under the laws governing protected monuments, individuals found damaging heritage structures or violating prescribed regulations may face legal consequences, including a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, depending on the nature of the offence.

Visitors to Lohagad Fort should also be aware of additional restrictions imposed by the Pune district administration during the monsoon season. Orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force until August 31, covering Lohagad Fort and several nearby tourist destinations, including Visapur Fort, Rajmachi, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, Lion's Point, Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Pawna Dam. The restrictions prohibit entering deep water bodies, sitting beneath waterfalls, taking selfies near cliff edges, playing loud music, polluting water sources and performing dangerous stunts that could endanger lives.

Standing at an elevation of approximately 3,389 feet, Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra's most significant historical monuments and is closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who captured the fort in 1648. It later served as a strategic storage site for treasure acquired after the Surat campaign. The fort has also gained archaeological importance following the reported discovery of an ancient Brahmi inscription believed to date back to the first or second century BCE. Its distinctive Vinchukada, or "Scorpion's Tail" rock formation, continues to attract thousands of trekkers and history enthusiasts each year, making adherence to heritage and safety regulations particularly important.

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