Govt plans for 75% storage of water in Kikvi before Kumbh Mela begins

Nashik: The Maharashtra govt has set an ambitious goal to complete 75% of the water storage capacity of Kikwi Dam in Trimbakeshwar taluka before the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. It is a race against time as the work is unlikely to start before Oct 2026."As Nashik city continues to expand, the storage capacity of the existing Gangapur Dam has decreased due to silt accumulation. To address city's future water needs, the Kikvi Dam project was approved with an estimated budget of 283.54 crore, aiming to provide Nashik with 2.4 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of reserved water," said a senior officer from Water Resources Department (WRD).The project requires the acquisition of 707.585 hectares of private land and 201.62 hectares of forest land across ten villages, including Talwade, Brahmanwade, Pimpi, Ghumodi, Shirasgaon, Kachurli, Sapgaon, Pimpalad, Talegaon, and Amboli."Currently, the district administration is focusing on the first phase of acquisition, specifically the 52 hectares necessary for the dam's foundation to ensure it is ready in time so that water storage can be started in time," the officer said.While the government intends to acquire private land through direct purchase, progress is facing a hurdles by local farmers who are dissatisfied with the compensation rates fixed by the administration. Despite ongoing village-level meetings to mediate with landholders, the process has faced delays. So far, 131 landowners have given their written consent for the acquisition of 849 plots."To address these concerns, the administration is organizing village-level meetings to negotiate fair market values and facilitate direct purchase agreements," the officer added.Beyond land disputes, the project faces significant regulatory hurdles. The administration is struggling to obtain necessary clearances from the central government for the 201.62 hectares of forest land. Additionally, approvals regarding environmental impact and climate change are still pending.Once completed, the Kikwi Dam is expected to resolve Nashik's drinking water crisis, provide irrigation benefits, and aid in flood control for the Godavari River. Furthermore, the surrounding forest area is anticipated to boost local tourism, making it a multi-purpose project vital for the region's development. Despite the obstacles, the administration remains hopeful that the foundation work will be completed before the Kumbh Mela begins.