₹5 crore fund announced for each Akhada participating in the Simhastha Kumbh festival: Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai – The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh festival is an opportunity for Maharashtra to set an ideal example of service, said Devendra Fadnavis. During a review meeting regarding the Simhastha Kumbh festival held at Sahyadri Guest House, he announced a grant of ₹5 crore for each Akhada and ₹15 lakh for each smaller religious institution to ensure that all necessary facilities and amenities are made available to them.

Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present on the occasion.

Eknath Shinde Devendra Fadnavis and Sunetra Pawar

The Chief Minister further announced that the electricity bills of the Akhadas would be paid through the concerned authority, and that if Akhada land is acquired for government purposes, the Akhadas would be provided compensation or alternative land. He stated that the Kumbh festival would be organised on a grand and magnificent scale under the guidance of saints, Mahants and devotees arriving from across the world, while extending dedicated service to them.

He further said, “A corridor will be developed in the Trimbakeshwar temple area, which will provide extensive facilities to devotees. Renovation work is also underway for the kunds, Ramkal Path, temples and caves in Nashik. Efforts are being made to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere throughout the Nashik and Trimbakeshwar region. Compared to the previous Kumbh festival, devotees will witness a much cleaner Godavari river this time. Extensive work is being undertaken for this purpose.”

On the occasion, Eknath Shinde said, “The State Government is making every possible effort to ensure the successful organisation of the Kumbh festival. The event will be conducted on a grand scale. No compromise whatsoever will be tolerated with regard to the security arrangements for the Kumbh festival.”