Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar was an opportunity for the state to set an ideal example of public service, adding that funds would not be a problem for its successful organisation.

He announced a fund of Rs 5 crore for each Akhada to ensure all facilities for the Akhadas, Rs 15 lakh each for smaller institutions, payment of electricity bills of Akhadas through the authority, and compensation or alternative land if Akhada land is acquired for government projects.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a review meeting on the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. He said the Kumbh Mela would be organised in a grand and spiritual manner under the guidance of saints, mahants and devotees arriving from across the world.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister said the suggestions made by saints and mahants for the successful organisation of the Kumbh Mela were highly valuable.

While appreciating the work already underway, the saints and mahants also suggested measures to accelerate and improve the effectiveness of various projects. He said the detailed discussions would certainly help ensure the success of the Kumbh Mela and that extensive planning had already been undertaken.

CM Fadnavis stated that the preparations for the forthcoming Kumbh Mela were not only for next year’s event but were also being designed keeping in mind the Kumbh Mela to be held 12 years later.

Permanent infrastructure and development works are being created in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for future use. Since the scale of the Kumbh Mela will continue to expand, long-term planning is being implemented accordingly, he added.

He said the Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the most important Jyotirlingas in India and that the Kumbh Mela is being held in the sacred surroundings of the origin of the Godavari River.

A corridor is being developed around the temple premises to provide better facilities for devotees. Restoration work is also underway for kunds, Ramkal Path, temples and caves in Nashik. Efforts are being made to create a spiritually enriching atmosphere across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

A comprehensive healthcare plan has also been prepared for the Kumbh Mela to ensure that saints, mahants and devotees do not face any health-related difficulties.

The Chief Minister further stated that consideration would be given to restricting certain areas within lands allotted to Akhadas.

Compared to the previous Kumbh Mela, devotees will witness a much cleaner form of the Godavari River this time, for which extensive works are being carried out.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the Simhastha Kumbh Mela would be organised in a magnificent manner and stated that no compromise would be tolerated regarding security arrangements.

He also issued directions regarding the safety and convenience of devotees and the demands of Akhadas.

Eknath Shinde said the Akhadas had assured that no inconvenience would be caused to devotees or ordinary citizens during the Kumbh Mela. Welcoming this approach, he said the suggestions made by the Akhadas were highly commendable and that the event would succeed through collective cooperation.

Currently, 377 acres of land have been reserved for the Kumbh Mela. However, the Akhadas have demanded additional land and the government is positive about the request.

He assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the Kumbh Mela and all necessary funds for infrastructure and devotee facilities would be made available immediately.

He further directed all security agencies to work in coordination so that no untoward incident occurs. Modern technology should be used for crowd management and emergency response systems. The government is ensuring that no shortcomings remain in the organisation of the Kumbh Mela, he added.

–IANS

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