2 days ago
Nashik civic body to acquire 250 acres more for Sadhugram; readies compensation model
Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to acquire additional 250 acres at Sadhugram in Tapovan area of the city for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela — slated to be held between 2026 and 2028.
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With 100 acres of the current 350-acre no-development zone at Sadhugram already under NMC's possession, the remaining land is typically leased from landowners for the duration of the Mela.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has also affirmed the acquisition of this land for Sadhugram. This move is significant given the projected increase in visitors. Around 2.5 lakh sadhus attended the 2015 Kumbh Mela in Nashik, but an estimated 10 lakh sadhus are expected in 2027.
Initially, the NMC had envisioned developing Sadhugram on 500 acres. However, to accommodate the anticipated surge in sadhus, the plan was expanded to 1,000 acres in Tapovan — a substantial increase from the 350 acres used for the 2015 Kumbh Mela.
Civic chief Manisha Khatri, while talking to TOI, said the municipal corporation plans to acquire additional 250 acres at Tapovan before the Kumbh Mela begins. "We have plans to develop Sadhugram on around 1,000 acres.
The remaining land will be taken on lease for the Kumbh Mela period. We are also preparing the proposal seeking funds from the state govt for acquisition of the 250 acres," she said.
An NMC official said they have prepared the compensation model for the acquisition of the land at Tapovan in the city. "As per the formula, 50% compensation will be given in cash and 50% as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)," the official said.
