India, Oct. 26 -- A cycling event held at Sinhagad fort on Sunday, October 25, has sparked criticism after videos of participants riding down the historic stone steps went viral on social media, raising concerns over how permissions are obtained by organisers and how sporting activities at heritage sites are regulated.

In this case, the forest department which granted permission for the event along the hill and trekking route, has clarified that its approval did not cover the fort premises or historic steps that fall under the jurisdiction of the state archaeology department.

The archaeology department, meanwhile, has confirmed that it did not grant permission for the event. Reportedly, the private group organising the cycling event had...