State govt establishes Kumbh Mela authority
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This authority will operate under the direction of a committee of ministers.
On June 4, governor CP Radhakrishnan signed an ordinance establishing the 'Nashik-Trimbakeshwar
Authority'. "State govt decided to form the authority for Kumbh Mela. This will expedite developmental works related to the conduct of the religious fair," stated Praveen Gedam, Nashik's divisional commissioner
Political analysts suggest this structure, with the authority reporting to the Ccmmittee of ministers, addresses the ongoing dispute over Nashik's guardian minister position and subsequent control of the Kumbh Mela committee.
"The committee's oversight will ensure local political representation in the authority's functioning," the analyst suggested. According to the ordinance, the committee will oversee the authority's operations, evaluate its performance, and examine its reports, establishing political supervision over the Kumbh Mela proceedings.
District administration officials confirmed that the authority included the Nashik collector and inspector general of police as vice-chairpersons, alongside Ahilyanagar collector, NMC chief and other officials as members. "The authority grants the Kumbh Mela commissioner direct control over designated staff, with the chairperson maintaining oversight," said the officer.
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