Trimbakeshwar temple
Nashik : In a bid to strengthen Nashik’s religious tourism infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the district administration has approved a Rs 17.3crore project to transform an island in the Gautami Godavari dam reservoir into a major spiritual and tourist attraction centred around a giant replica of Panchamukhi Sri Trimbakraj. Executive engineer Sonal Shahane of the Nashik Irrigation Division said, “According to project plans, the allocation is divided across three key departments — Rs 10 crore for erecting the replica of Sri Trimbakraj along with its base pedestal and structural foundation; Rs 5.4 crore for surrounding site development; and Rs 2 crore for comprehensive electrification.
Officials said water levels remain adequate even during summer, allowing year-round connectivity. “While boating remains the primary transit model, provisions for a permanent bridge or connecting road may be evaluated in future phases,” officials said. The project, cleared under the District Annual Plan by district collector Ayush Prasad after approval from guardian minister Girish Mahajan, is part of a broader effort to position Nashik as a national religious tourism hub while leveraging water resources assets for tourism-led revenue generation. Access to the island will initially be restricted to boats.
Maharashtra Initiative Boosts Tourism and Local Economies
The Maharashtra water resources department has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting tourism around dam reservoirs and backwaters. This initiative is designed to enhance economic opportunities for local communities by increasing tourist traffic and associated commercial activities. Officials emphasize that this approach aligns with the department’s broader policy objectives.