NMC to start talks for Sadhugram land acquisition from next month

Nashik: The civic body is set to begin negotiations with farmers from next month for permanent acquisition of land for the Sadhugram at Tapovan, a key component of preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027.Though the state govt has approved Rs2,264 crore for acquiring 191 acres, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is still awaiting administrative approval from the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) to utilise the funds. The funds are to be disbursed by the Kumbh Mela Authority.“We are yet to receive the administrative approval from the Kumbh Mela Authority, even though the state urban development department has sanctioned Rs 2,264 crore for permanent acquisition of 191 acres at Tapovan, and has also issued a govt resolution (GR) in this connection.

We will begin negotiations with project-affected persons and farmers to finalise the compensation,” a senior NMC official said.Sadhugram serves as the designated settlement for sadhus during the Kumbh Mela. At Tapovan, 377 acres have been earmarked as a ‘no-development zone’ for the facility. Of this, 94 acres are already with the NMC, while the remaining land is yet to be acquired.Officials said around 191 acres will be procured through direct purchase by holding negotiations with landowners under the district-level compensation rate determination committee.

The authorities are planning a major expansion of Sadhugram for the upcoming Kumbh, with the overall development expected to cover nearly 1,450 acres. Of this, around 1,100 acres will be temporarily requisitioned to accommodate the anticipated surge in the number of sadhus.The expansion plan comes amid projections that nearly 10 lakh sadhus will participate in Kumbh 2027, a sharp rise compared to around 2.5 lakh in 2015, when Sadhugram was spread across about 350 acres.

This time, the total area is expected to be expanded to around 1,400 acres, including nearly 1,050 acres proposed to be taken on lease.Officials stressed that timely land acquisition will be crucial to ensure adequate infrastructure and facilities for the massive congregation.Apart from basic infrastructure, the Sadhugram layout will include temporary toilets and bathing facilities, sector offices, police posts, shelter spaces for devotees, shopping areas, and electrification arrangements.With preparations gathering pace, civic officials said expediting land acquisition remains a priority to ensure smooth planning and execution of arrangements for one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.