Major Land Acquisition Move for Sadhugram
The Maharashtra government has approved ₹2,267 crore for the acquisition of 191.21 acres of land at Tapovan for Sadhugram ahead of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela 2027.
The decision is part of the ongoing preparations for the Kumbh, with authorities working to develop the Sadhugram area for Akharas and sadhus expected to arrive during the festival.
Key Highlights
- ₹2,267 crore approved for Tapovan land acquisition.
- 191.21 acres of land included in the acquisition.
- Around 94 acres of the proposed Sadhugram land is already with the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
- The Sadhugram area will accommodate Akharas and visiting sadhus during the Kumbh.
- Additional land may be temporarily requisitioned around Tapovan during the festival.
191.21 Acres Included in the Acquisition
Under the Nashik development plan, about 377 acres have been reserved for Sadhugram. Around 94 acres of this land is already under the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
The newly approved funding will support the acquisition of another 191.21 acres, helping authorities move forward with the planned Sadhugram area.
Additional land around Tapovan may also be temporarily requisitioned during the Kumbh to meet operational requirements when the number of Akharas, sadhus and visitors increases.
Funding Approved for Landowners' Compensation
The government approval includes provisions for compensating landowners whose properties are part of the acquisition.
The compensation will be transferred directly to eligible landowners through RTGS after the applicable land rates are determined by the district-level committee.
The sanctioned amount is specifically allocated for the Sadhugram land acquisition. Any additional expenditure beyond the approved amount will have to be managed by the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
Space Being Prepared for Akharas
The Sadhugram will serve as a dedicated area for Akharas and sadhus during Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027. The land acquisition is expected to help authorities move ahead with planning the layout and allocation of spaces for different Akharas.
Representatives of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad have also inspected the proposed Sadhugram area and stressed the importance of completing land allocation in time for Akharas to prepare their camps.
The latest approval gives the administration a major financial push to continue land and infrastructure preparations at Tapovan ahead of the 2027 Kumbh.