Accelerate Land Acquisition for Sadhugram and Roadworks – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Nashik : Proper planning must be ensured to make the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar safe and well-organized, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He directed authorities to immediately expedite the land acquisition process for Sadhugram and accelerate roadworks to avoid any inconvenience to devotees.

A review meeting was held this evening at the central hall of the District Collector’s office, with officials from Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), and Kumbh Mela-related departments. The meeting was chaired by Deputy CM Shinde and attended by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Kishor Darade, Prof. Devyani Pharande, Suhas Kande, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Pravin Gedam, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, District Collector Jalaj Sharma, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, NMRDA Commissioner Dr. Manikrao Gursal, Superintendent of Police Vikram Deshmane, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Charudatta Shinde, former MP Hemant Godse, and other department heads.

Key Directives from Deputy CM Shinde:

• Kumbh Mela preparations will be prioritized. Given the massive influx of devotees from across the country, road expansions will be undertaken where necessary.
• Cleanliness of the Godavari River must be ensured, with measures in place to prevent water pollution. Proposals for sewage treatment and wastewater management should be immediately submitted to the state government, and necessary budget allocations will be made.
• To manage large crowds, CCTV surveillance and public announcement systems should be strengthened, with Nashik city and rural police working in coordination.
• Officials should visit Prayagraj to study its Kumbh Mela planning and incorporate best practices into Nashik’s preparations.

Other Key Discussions:

• School Education Minister Bhuse emphasized that no contaminated sewage should be discharged into the Godavari River.
• Divisional Commissioner Dr. Gedam presented a plan to ensure a zero-accident, safe, and spiritual Kumbh Mela while boosting Nashik’s global presence and economy.
• Officials will undertake a study tour to Prayagraj to analyze its ongoing Kumbh Mela preparations.
• MLA Pharande suggested additional improvements, while Municipal Commissioner Khatri provided updates on ongoing measures.

The meeting also reviewed progress on Ramkalpath, Nashik Metropolitan Region Development projects, and the monorail initiative.