The Maharashtra state government has sanctioned Rs 2,267 crore for the permanent acquisition of 283 acres of land for Sadhugram in Tapovan, a critical component of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled in 2027. The approval was granted during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Land Acquisition Process to Begin Shortly
With the approval of funds, the land acquisition process is expected to commence soon, paving the way for key development works including accommodation, internal roads, and basic civic amenities. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan, senior cabinet members, and top bureaucrats.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde later shared the update on X, stating that of the total 377 acres reserved for Sadhugram, 94 acres had already been acquired by the Nashik Municipal Corporation. The newly sanctioned funds will be used to acquire the remaining 283 acres.
Expansion of Sadhugram Facilities
Sadhugram serves as the designated settlement for sadhus during the Kumbh Mela. Authorities are planning a major expansion of the facility, with the total development expected to span approximately 1,450 acres this time. Temporary requisition of around 1,150 acres is also planned. The expansion is driven by the anticipated surge in the number of sadhus, projected to exceed 10 lakh, compared to around 2.5 lakh who attended the 2015 Kumbh, when Sadhugram was spread across nearly 350 acres.
Infrastructure and Cleanliness Plans
The government has also reviewed plans for critical infrastructure, including roads, parking facilities, drinking water supply, hospitals, disaster management systems, and overall safety arrangements. Officials emphasized that there would be no shortage of funds for Kumbh-related works. Additionally, nearly 15,000 sanitation workers are planned to be deployed to maintain cleanliness across Sadhugram and surrounding areas.
This development marks a significant step forward in ensuring a well-organized and expansive Kumbh Mela in 2027, accommodating the growing number of pilgrims and sadhus.
