Pix of Sadhugram entrance gate- Sadhugram is a place at Tapovan area of the city where sadhus are accomodated
A civic official, while talking to TOI , said the acquisition drive gained momentum after the state govt on June 5 approved Rs 2,267 crore for land acquisition and administrative expenses for Kumbh-related projects. NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri said they are now in the process of conducting land measurement of the proposed 191 acres at Tapovan for Sadhugram.
“Once it is completed, we will start negotiations with the land owners for deciding the compensation amount,” Khatri said. Despite the legal challenge, officials said the acquisition process for the land already reserved for Sadhugram is continuing as per schedule. The move follows a recent review of Kumbh-related works by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , who directed authorities to expedite land acquisition and infrastructure development for the mega religious congregation. Meanwhile, the proposal to secure additional land on a lease basis has faced resistance from a section of farmers. Some landowners have approached the Bombay high court challenging the proposed lease model.