Chief secy pushes for timely completion of Kumbh works

Nashik: Maharashtra chief secretary Rajesh Aggarwal on Friday directed the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and other agencies to complete all Simhastha Kumbh Mela projects on time, ensuring high quality and durability.He issued the instructions during inspections across Nashik, where Kumbh-related infrastructure is under way. Noting that large numbers of devotees from India and abroad are expected for the 2027 event, Aggarwal said, "The state govt is undertaking the creation of key infrastructure and essential civic amenities to handle the expected influx of pilgrims. All authorities concerned must expedite the ongoing works, ensure timely completion and maintain the prescribed quality standards."Speaking to TOI, he said the first day of his visit focused on time-sensitive projects, especially those needing key milestones before the monsoon. He added that departments have been clearly instructed to adhere to schedules and maintain quality execution. Aggarwal inspected the proposed vehicular underpass at Dwarka Circle, a parallel bridge near Laxmi Narayan temple at Tapovan, Kapila Sangam, Sadhugram (where sadhus stay during the Kumbh), and new ghats along the Godavari being built by the water resources department. He also reviewed upgrades to sewage treatment plants at Tapovan, Agartakali and Dasak-Panchak, visited the NMC's solid waste and compost facility at Vilholi, and inspected a proposed water treatment plant there. NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri, Kumbh Mela Authority chairman Pravin Gedam, commissioner Shekhar Singh, and other senior officials accompanied him.The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled for 2027, with ceremonial flag hoisting on October 31 this year. The three major Amrit Snans will take place between August and September 2027. Projects worth over Rs 15,000 crore are under execution, with March 2027 set as the deadline for completion of major works.In March, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis took cognizance of the undue delays in Kumbh Mela-related infrastructure works in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, warning that any vested attempts to hinder progress would not be tolerated. He also instructed officials to devise measures to ease traffic flow across Nashik city.