Kumbh Mela: NMC plans permanent infrastructure at Sadhugram on land in its possession

Nashik: The civic body is planning to develop permanent infrastructure on land in its possession at Sadhugram in Tapovan, a key site for accommodating sadhus during Simhastha Kumbh Mela.The proposed development will cover around 377 acres falling under the no-development zone and include essential facilities such as roads, water supply, sewerage networks and allied civic infrastructure. Of the total land, around 95 acres are already in the possession of the civic body, while nearly 200 acres are in the process of being acquired at an estimated cost of Rs 2,264 crore. The state govt has granted approval for the land acquisition, and approved the funds.

The remaining parcels are owned by public trusts.Civic officials said the move aims to replace the recurring practice of creating temporary infrastructure for every Kumbh Mela. Currently, the NMC develops temporary facilities on leased land, which are dismantled after the event to restore the area to its original condition.“With permanent infrastructure in place on the land owned by the civic body, there will be no need to repeatedly create and dismantle temporary facilities for each Kumbh.

We have submitted a proposal to the Kumbh Mela Authority in this regard,” officials said.In addition to the 377 acres earmarked for permanent development, authorities are planning to requisition around 1,000 acres on lease from farmers during the Kumbh period. The Kumbh Mela Authority is working on a comprehensive plan for developing sadhugram on around 1,400 acres. Once the plan is finalised and submitted to the the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), it will prepare a detailed layout of Sadhugram and initiate the tendering process for infrastructure development.Officials said the project will involve both permanent and temporary infrastructure across the expanded area, including roads, streetlights, water supply lines, sewerage systems and other essential amenities.Sadhugram serves as the designated zone for accommodating sadhus and religious akharas during the Kumbh, making it a critical component of the overall planning exercise. During the previous Kumbh held in 2015, Sadhugram was developed over 350 acres and had arrangements for around 2.5 lakh sadhus.This time, however, the number of sadhus visiting Nashik is expected to rise to nearly 10 lakh. To cater to the anticipated footfall, the authorities are planning to expand Sadhugram to around 1,400 acres, including approximately 1,050 acres to be taken on lease.Apart from core infrastructure, the Sadhugram layout will include facilities such as temporary bathrooms and toilets, sector offices, police posts, shelter areas for devotees, shopping zones and electrification arrangements.Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming Simhastha are gathering pace. The flag-hoisting ceremony of the Kumbh Mela is scheduled for Oct 31, while the three major ‘amrit snan’ dates are likely to fall between Aug and Sept.Officials said the emphasis on permanent infrastructure marks a long-term planning approach aimed at improving efficiency, reducing recurring costs and ensuring better management of large-scale religious gatherings.