Considering the crowd expected for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, the administration has placed special emphasis on security measures, and a thorough review of the preparations by various departments is being conducted, said Divisional Revenue Commissioner Dr Praveen Gedam.
In the Kumbh Mela review meeting held in the central hall of the District Collector’s Office, Divisional Commissioner Dr Gedam reviewed the CCTV system to be implemented by Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), Smart City and Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council through a presentation. This time, 80 lakh more citizens are expected to attend the festival compared to the previous event. In this regard, special measures are being taken to prevent any accidents. Additionally, as per the request of the police and security department, special cameras will be installed in the Ghat area, Sadhugram, bus stop, railway station and Ramkund Marg to ensure strict surveillance.
Currently, officer-level meetings are underway, outlining the budget and the nature of planning work. Dr Gedam stated that in the final phase, discussions will be held with people’s representatives and saints before making any decisive decisions. He emphasised that no decisions will be made without the participation of the saints. However, since planning is currently being carried out in consultation with the administration, all stakeholders will be included in the next phase.
He suggested that the police, municipal corporation, and fire prevention agencies should coordinate to identify hazardous locations for fire prevention measures. Dr Gedam also mentioned that a study tour will be organised in Prayagraj in the near future to ensure the successful execution of the Kumbh Mela.
The meeting was attended by District Collector Jalaj Sharma, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Manisha Khatri, Nashik Metropolitan Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Manikrao Gursal, Additional Superintendent of Police Aditya Mirkhelkar, Resident Deputy Collector Rajendra Wagh, District Planning Officer Yogendra Chaudhary, Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council Chief Officer Dr Shreya Devchakke and officials from various relevant agencies.
Permanent place for Sadhugram
Plans are being made to establish a permanent location for Sadhugram in Tapovan. Dr Gedam stated that 400 acres of land is being considered for authorisation. In the previous Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Sadhugram was built on 300 acres of land in Nashik. This time, 400 acres is being planned for permanent use. In the previous Simhastha at Trimbakeshwar, 18 acres were allocated for the residence of sadhus and saints. This time, 32 acres is being planned.
Planning for bridges in motion
The construction of bridges at various locations on the Godavari River has become inevitable. The NMC is undertaking planning efforts for this. Expanding ghats in Trimbakeshwar is not feasible, and there are limited opportunities for expansion in Nashik as well. However, all possibilities will be considered, Dr Gedam added.
