The Nashik district administration has put forward a substantial plan worth hundreds of crores to ensure safety and security for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The proposals, which include cutting-edge technology like fire-fighting robots and a massive water tower, aim to bolster disaster response capabilities for the massive religious congregation.
High-Value Proposals for a High-Risk Event
District Collector and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Ayush Prasad, recently confirmed that proposals totaling Rs 264 crore have been submitted to the state disaster management authority for approval. This follows a rigorous screening process conducted jointly by the Nashik district disaster management authority and the Kumbh Mela Authority.
Prasad explained that the screening involved a thorough verification of technical details and other critical parameters necessary for an event of Kumbh's scale and risk profile. Initially, various departments had submitted requests worth a combined Rs 426 crore. After the first phase of evaluation, proposals amounting to approximately Rs 264 crore were found to meet the stringent requirements and were forwarded for the next stage of approval.
Advanced Equipment on the Wishlist
The comprehensive list of equipment proposed by departments like the Nashik Municipal Corporation's (NMC) fire and disaster management wing reads like a catalog for a modern emergency response unit. Key items include:
- Fire-fighting robots for hazardous situations
- A towering 60-meter high water tower for aerial firefighting
- A specialized bomb detection and disposal system
- Multiple water tenders and rapid intervention vehicles
- Rescue vans, water bowsers, and agile fire bikes
- Inflatable rescue boats and high-pressure pumping systems
This arsenal is intended to address a wide spectrum of potential emergencies, from fires and rescues to security threats.
Next Steps and Gap Analysis
Collector Ayush Prasad added that the planning process is ongoing and dynamic. The district administration has scheduled a location-wise gap-analysis workshop for December 8. The objective of this workshop is to identify any missing but essential components required for specific areas or scenarios during the Mela.
Findings from this detailed analysis will be compiled into a follow-up proposal. This ensures that the final disaster management plan is holistic and leaves no critical area uncovered, prioritizing the safety of the millions of expected devotees.
The move underscores the administration's proactive approach in deploying technology and robust infrastructure to manage one of the world's largest peaceful gatherings, setting a new benchmark for disaster preparedness at mega-events.
