Vasai Fort Franciscan Church has come under the spotlight after massive stone slabs from the church ceiling started collapsing, raising serious concerns over tourist safety at one of Palghar district’s most historic heritage sites.

Located inside the historic Vasai Fort, the centuries-old Franciscan Church, also known as St. Anthony’s Church, is witnessing rapid structural deterioration due to alleged administrative negligence. Locals and history experts have now demanded urgent restoration and safety measures before the monsoon intensifies the danger.

Historic Structure Inside Vasai Fort in Dangerous Condition

Spread across nearly 110 acres along the western coastline of Vasai, Vasai Fort is considered one of the most important historical landmarks in the region. The fort reflects a unique blend of Portuguese and Maratha architecture and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Among its many heritage structures, the Vasai Fort Franciscan Church remains one of the earliest and most significant churches built during Portuguese rule in the 1530s and 1540s under the Franciscan order.

However, the condition of the church has now become alarming.

According to local reports, huge stone slabs fixed to the inner portion of the church ceiling have started detaching and crashing onto the ground. One of the fallen stones reportedly weighed between 450 and 500 kilograms, creating fear among visitors and heritage lovers.

Tourists at Risk as Massive Stones Continue Hanging From Ceiling

Even more concerning is the fact that several giant stone slabs are still hanging dangerously from the damaged roof structure.

With the monsoon season approaching, experts fear that heavy rain and strong winds could trigger additional collapses at the Vasai Fort Franciscan Church. If any slab falls while tourists are nearby, it could lead to a major accident.

Visitors continue to explore the church daily, often unaware of the potential danger above them. Locals believe immediate barricading and warning signage are necessary to avoid tragedy.

Historians Demand Immediate Action

Historian and heritage researcher Shridatta Raut stated that three to four stone slabs collapsed just last month.

He urged the Archaeological Department to immediately install warning boards around the dangerous sections of the church and safely remove the remaining unstable stones.

Raut also stressed the need for scientific restoration work instead of temporary repairs, as the structure is an important symbol of Vasai’s cultural and historical identity.

Archaeology Department Responds

Responding to the growing concern, Kailas Shinde said that the issue has already been communicated to senior authorities.

According to Shinde, necessary safety measures and structural assessments will be prioritized to protect tourists visiting the Vasai Fort Franciscan Church.

However, locals say restoration efforts have been delayed for years despite visible deterioration in several parts of the fort complex.

Heritage Lovers Raise Questions Over Conservation Efforts

The latest incident has once again raised larger questions about heritage conservation in Palghar district.

Several activists argue that although Vasai Fort remains a major tourism destination, many ancient structures inside the fort are slowly decaying due to lack of maintenance, insufficient monitoring, and growing environmental damage.

Conservationists believe immediate intervention from the Archaeological Survey and local administration is essential to preserve the legacy of the fort for future generations.

Importance of the Franciscan Church

The Vasai Fort Franciscan Church is not just a tourist attraction but also a significant reminder of the Portuguese era in coastal Maharashtra.

Its arches, stonework, and centuries-old design represent an important chapter of Indo-Portuguese history. Heritage enthusiasts frequently visit the site to study its architecture and historical relevance.

If restoration work is delayed further, experts fear irreversible damage to the structure.

Safety Measures Needed Before Monsoon

With heavy rains expected soon, locals and visitors are demanding the following immediate actions:

  • Installation of warning boards around unsafe areas
  • Temporary restriction of tourist entry in risky sections
  • Removal of loose ceiling stones
  • Detailed structural audit of the church
  • Long-term scientific restoration plan

Authorities are now under pressure to act quickly before the situation worsens.