Nashik: City mayor Himgauri Aher on Monday began discussions with farmers on land acquisition for Sadhugram before the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027, assuring them of fair compensation and a transparent process.
At a meeting convened at the mayor's office, officials said that 94 acres of the total 377 acres have already been acquired, while acquisition of the remaining 283 acres is pending.
NMC officials concerned said, "A proposal for the permanent acquisition of an additional 192 acres has been submitted to the Kumbh Mela Authority and forwarded to state govt for approval."
During the meeting, farmers strongly pressed for the compensation to be fixed as per the sale index. The administration responded positively to the demand, indicating that the issue would be examined at higher levels before a final decision was taken.
The mayor also placed before farmers for requisitioning around 700 acres on a lease basis, apart from permanent acquisition.
During the meeting, the mayor also heard farmers' grievances related to earlier civic and infrastructure projects, including sewage treatment plants, the inner ring road, Nandur–Nashik Shivar and Jatra Road. Several farmers pointed out that compensation in these projects has remained pending for years, eroding trust in the system.
"No injustice will be allowed in the run-up to the Kumbh Mela," Aher said, adding the administration would resolve farmers' issues in a timely manner. "This meeting was held to understand their problems produce solutions that protect farmers' interests and also ensures smooth Kumbh preparations," Aher added.
