Sadhu Gram to be set up over 1,000 acres of land for the Nashik Simhastha Kumbha Mela

Parking facilities planned over 118 hectares at the city’s outskirts

Nashik (Maharashtra) – Keeping in view the large influx of devotees and Saints-Mahants expected from across the country for the Simhastha Kumbha Mela to be held in 2027, the administration has planned to expand the Sadhu Gram threefold this time compared to 2015. A modern Sadhu Gram equipped with advanced facilities is proposed to be developed over 1,000 acres of land. In addition, parking facilities spread across 118 hectares will be created on the outskirts of the city for vehicles entering Nashik through nine major routes. From there, it will be convenient for devotees to travel to Ramkund, Tapovan, Lakshminarayan Ghat, Ram Sangam, and Dasharath Ghat.

1. Since the government has undertaken large-scale branding and promotion of Nashik’s Kumbha Mela, more than 5 crore devotees are expected to attend.

2. A vast network of internal roads, drainage systems, water pipelines, and electrification facilities will be developed within the Sadhu Gram. Shelter sheds for devotees, commercial complexes, Police outposts, hospitals, fire brigade sheds, and sector offices will also be constructed. Special beautification of the Sadhu Gram area will also be undertaken.

3. The Nashik Municipal Corporation intends to acquire or obtain 784 to 1,000 acres of private land in Tapovan, Nandur, and Agartakli for the Sadhu Gram. However, landowners have opposed permanent land acquisition. The Municipal Corporation’s proposal of offering farmers 50% TDR (Transferable Development Rights) and 50% cash compensation has been rejected by the landowners. They have demanded 100% cash compensation according to the prevailing market rates.