PUNE: A viral video from Maharashtra’s historic Lohagad Fort has reignited debate over tourist behaviour at protected heritage sites.The clip shows a local man confronting a group of tourists, reportedly from Delhi, for allegedly smoking cigarettes on the fort’s ramparts, with the incident triggering widespread discussion on social media.The 1-minute-46-second video shows the local resident questioning the group, comprising young men and women, after allegedly spotting them smoking at the historic monument. In the video, the man asks the visitors who had given them permission to smoke at the fort and urges them to respect the site’s historical and cultural significance.The group told the local resident they were unaware of any prohibition on smoking at the fort.“Would you smoke inside a temple? This fort is our temple,” he is heard telling the group in the viral clip.The video has since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing a flood of reactions. While many users praised the local resident for speaking up and protecting the heritage site, others said tourists should be made more aware of rules at protected monuments.One user wrote, “People have layed down there lives here to protect janta.all historical and religious places should be treated with respect. no one needs to be taught this.”Another wrote, “No smoking or liqoyr is allowed on any fort of Maharashtra, and it is a good practice.. people should respect it.”Although visitors often claim they are unaware of restrictions at historical sites, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has laid down clear rules for protected monuments.Under ASI regulations, the consumption or possession of tobacco products, gutkha, pan masala, cigarettes, alcohol and other intoxicants is prohibited inside protected monuments. Visitors are also not allowed to carry matches, lighters, candles or other flammable materials into such sites.The ASI also prohibits defacing monument walls by carving names, scratching surfaces or causing any damage, with such acts attracting penal action under applicable laws.
