Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan during his visit to Ramkund and Godaghat
The deadline comes ahead of the Oct 31 flag-hoisting ceremony marking the commencement of the mega religious gathering. Nashik : With the Simhastha Kumbh Mela countdown gathering pace, guardian and Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan on Sunday gave officials three weeks to complete priority works at Ramkund.
The minister said the Oct 31 ceremonies in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are expected to be attended by the President of India, Maharashtra chief minister, deputy chief ministers, seers and representatives of various akharas.
Mahajan said the Kumbh infrastructure push was not about creating temporary facilities for the religious gathering. The projects, he said, were being planned to meet Nashik’s requirements for the next four decades. “The Kumbh Mela is not merely a religious event but also a major opportunity for the city’s development,” Mahajan said. He said Centre and state had provided substantial funds for Nashik’s infrastructure upgrade.
Investments are being made in roads, traffic management, water supply, sanitation, sewerage, healthcare, parking, accommodation and river conservation. Kumbh commissioner Shekhar Singh and municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri briefed the minister on the progress of projects and measures being taken to meet the deadlines.