Mumbai, July 9 (IANS) The Maharashtra state government will conduct an inquiry into the altered alignment of the Nashik Ring Road project, a critical infrastructure development for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, within the next three days.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday made this announcement in the Legislative Assembly, assuring the House that no farmers will be subjected to forced land acquisition and that fair compensation will be provided under the law.

The development follows a Calling Attention motion raised in the Assembly by MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, who alleged that the Ring Road’s alignment was intentionally altered to facilitate large-scale land irregularities.

Responding to the allegations, the Revenue Minister clarified that the exact reasons behind changing the alignment would be probed within three days. The investigation will specifically verify if individuals bought land in the area over the last three years with prior insider knowledge of the project’s layout or with ulterior motives.

“If it is found that the alignment was altered deliberately to benefit specific interests, a detailed inquiry will be conducted by the Chief Secretary,” he stated.

Taking note of the allegations levelled by public representatives against Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad, the Revenue Minister announced that a probe would be conducted by the Chief Secretary.

However, Bawankule strongly defended IAS officer Dutta, who was recently spotted wearing a helmet during a land measurement survey.

“During the survey that day, some protestors attempted self-immolation and brought kerosene bottles, creating a severe law-and-order situation. The officer wore a helmet solely for self-defence and to protect against potential stone-pelting or kerosene attacks. Therefore, the officer is not at fault,” Bawankule clarified.

Emphasising the vital importance of the Ring Road for the Kumbh Mela management, the Revenue Minister said: “We will take the farmers into confidence once again and hold discussions with them. They will receive fair compensation as per the Land Acquisition Act. If there is an expectation of additional assistance from the government, it will be considered positively, but there will be absolutely no coercion.”

Local MLA Saroj Ahire, who had previously staged protests to highlight the issue, thanked the Assembly Speaker for allowing the crucial matter to be discussed on the floor of the House.

–IANS

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