Kumbh-Parva Related works Worth ₹25,000 Crores undertaken without ‘DPR’ : Vijay Kumbhar, RTI activist

(DPR  means detailed project report, i.e. study of technical, financial and execution plan)

Vijay Kumbhar

Pune – Works worth ₹25,000 crores related to the forthcoming ‘Kumbh-Mela’ scheduled to be held at Nashik -Trimbakeshwar have been started without any detailed project report (DPR), is a serious accusation by Mr Vijay Kumbhar, an RTI (Right to Information) activist, stating that it is not just an administrative issue but has direct connection with judicial, moral and democratic values.

Mr Kumbhar has claimed –

1. As per the ‘Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Pradhikaran (Kumbh Mela Authority)’ established by the Maharashtra Government through the  2025 Act, it is mandatory to prepare a ‘Kumbh Mela’ integrated plan which will include details of the project, expected expenditure, process of purchasing, system of execution and financial planning; but no such integrated DPR exists as required.

2. Under RTI Act, DPR was demanded from the Kumbh Mela Authority; but I didn’t receive answer within the time limit; therefore, I have taken up this issue on social media.

3. The answer received later is not DPR but it is some information given, in bits and pieces, by different departments about the works undertaken. The answer is not a document of planning but disseminated details of expenses.

4. Execution of a big project without DPR is an example of planning-less administration. DPR is the basic strategic plan of any public project which explains the size or extent of the project, estimate about expenditure, time limit of the project, technical feasibility, environmental and other risks involved and solutions to them. In the absence of DPR, the risk of unnecessary expenses, squandering, corruption and misuse of funds rises.

5. A committee comprising of extremely experienced ministers has been set  up for the best planning of ‘Kumbh Mela’ but what is the use of laws if they are not followed ?

6. As per a clause under the regulations of ‘Kumbh Mela Authority’, it is mandatory to do all the planning, execution and grant of approvals to various jobs based on the plan through one Authority; besides, all funds should be transferred to ‘Kumbh Mela Authority’. In reality, however, department-wise independent works have been undertaken along with their expenses which has botched the basic concept of the law.

Editorial Perspective

What is Nashik administration’s explanation on this matter ?