In a crucial review meeting held on Thursday, Water Resources and Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan issued clear directives to Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner Manisha Khatri to expedite the land acquisition process for Sadhugram. This dedicated area in Tapovan is designed to accommodate thousands of sadhus during the upcoming Kumbh Mela, a massive religious congregation that draws lakhs of devotees to the city.
Focus on Accelerating Land Acquisition
During the meeting at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, the municipal corporation headquarters, Mahajan emphasized the urgency of securing land for Sadhugram. Commissioner Khatri reported that the minister discussed various aspects of Kumbh planning, with a specific focus on ensuring that the land acquisition moves forward without any delays. While the NMC has already initiated the process, additional steps are necessary to acquire the remaining land required to set up proper arrangements for the sadhus.
Challenges in Land Acquisition
One of the significant hurdles facing the NMC is the reluctance of many farmers to accept Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as compensation for their land. Instead, these landowners are demanding cash compensation based on current market rates. This issue has complicated the acquisition process, making it imperative for the administration to find a resolution to meet the tight deadlines for Kumbh Mela preparations.
Review of Security Measures
In addition to land acquisition, Minister Mahajan reviewed the installation of CCTV cameras being implemented by the Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation Ltd (MahaIT) under the Smart City Mission. According to Commissioner Khatri, Mahajan instructed the administration to ensure that the entire surveillance system is fully functional by February 15. Completing this project is deemed crucial for effective crowd management and enhanced security during the Kumbh period, given the large influx of visitors expected.
Importance of Timely Preparations
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and adequate preparations are essential to ensure its smooth conduct. The Sadhugram plays a vital role in providing shelter and facilities for sadhus, who are central to the event. With the minister's instructions, the NMC is now under pressure to address the land acquisition challenges and other logistical aspects to meet the upcoming deadlines.
As the city gears up for the grand event, the collaboration between state authorities and municipal officials will be key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring a successful Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
