The proposal plan for Simhastha Kumbha Mela for the year 2015-16, to be held in Nashik, is worth `1,060 crore, Maharashtra chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia announced on Friday, while directing the concerned officials to acquire the required lands and complete all the unfinished projects.
He made the announcement after discussing the proposal plan with state and district level officials in Nashik. State director general of police (DGP) Sanjeev Dayal, city police commissioner Kulwantkumar Sarangal, superintendent of police Pravin Padwal, among other senior officers, were present at the meeting. The officials also visited the Mela locations like the Godavari River, Ram Kund and Kushawart Teerth in the Nashik district.
Mr Banthia further said that all facilities would be made available for sants, mahants and their akhadas during the duration of the Mela. He also assured the mahants that all decisions would be made after taking them into confidence.
He added, “All branches of the state government and local civic bodies would co-ordinate with each other to successfully implement the Mela plan. Traffic arrangements, civic amenities, health services, water supply and security would be meticulously planned. Care will be taken to prevent a stampede that had occurred during the last time.”
“The last Kumbh Mela in Nashik had cost around `448 crore. This time, the proposal is worth `1,060 crore and would be decided upon by the state. The proposal is to be overseen by two committees, namely, the central committee to be headed by the CM and a task force committee to be headed by the chief secretary. A Mela officer of the rank of an additional collector will also be deputed,” he said.
DGP Sanjeev Dayal said that special squads would be deputed to supervise the security arrangements, thus minimising threats.