Maharashtra Government to Begin Land Acquisition for Nashik's Sadhugram in October
The Maharashtra state government has officially decided to initiate the land acquisition process for Sadhugram in Nashik, starting from October this year. A substantial budget provision of Rs 2,400 crore has already been allocated for this purpose, ensuring that the funds are ready for disbursement once the acquisition formally commences.
Details of the Land Acquisition Plan
The acquisition will specifically target 283 acres of land located within the 'no development zone' at Tapovan. This area is reserved for Sadhugram, a dedicated facility designed to accommodate sadhus during the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The total land reserved for Sadhugram spans 377 acres, meaning this acquisition will cover the remaining portion after previous allocations.
According to officials, the Rs 2,400 crore will be released in a lump sum as soon as the acquisition process begins. The proposal for acquiring this land is currently under review by the state government's urban development department, awaiting its approval. Once cleared, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) will take charge of acquiring the 283 acres.
Statements from Key Officials
NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri stated, "The state government is positive about acquiring the remaining land from the 'no-development zone' reserved for Sadhugram. We have already held discussions with the landowners. If we acquire all the remaining land by paying cash compensation, we will require around Rs 2,400 crore."
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) Commissioner Shekhar Singh confirmed that there are no issues regarding funding for the acquisition. "The budgetary allocation of Rs 2,400 crore has already been made, and the funds will be disbursed when the actual land acquisition begins," he said.
Singh added that the proposal is with the urban development department for approval, and once approved, the subsequent land acquisition process will start. "We are expecting the municipal corporation to start the acquisition from October. Simultaneously, other infrastructure works on the Sadhugram land will also commence," he noted.
Expansion Plans for Kumbh Mela
In addition to the permanent acquisition of 283 acres, there is also a plan for the temporary requisition of approximately 900 to 1,000 acres in and around the Tapovan area. This is intended to accommodate the large influx of sadhus expected during the Kumbh Mela. "In effect, Sadhugram will be spread over around 1,300 acres during the next Kumbh," Singh explained, highlighting the scale of preparations for the religious event.
The initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensuring adequate facilities for participants in one of India's largest religious gatherings, with significant financial and administrative resources being mobilized to meet the deadline.
