Nashik Municipal Corporation has started the statutory process to acquire 191.2 acres at Tapovan for Sadhugram, a key temporary township planned for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The civic body has invited objections from landowners and other parties with claims over the land, as preparations for the large religious gathering accelerate.
The public notice covers landowners, occupants, leaseholders, mortgage holders, legal heirs and parties involved in court disputes concerning the proposed plots. They have been asked to submit objections along with supporting documents within 15 days.
The acquisition process follows a review of Kumbh-related works by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who directed authorities to expedite land acquisition and infrastructure development. A civic official told the Times of India that the process gained momentum after the state government approved Rs 2,267 crore on June 5 for land acquisition and administrative expenses linked to Kumbh projects.
NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri said the civic body is currently measuring the proposed 191 acres at Tapovan. “Once it is completed, we will start negotiations with the land owners for deciding the compensation amount,” Khatri said.
Sadhugram is planned to accommodate seers, akharas, khalsas and religious organisations participating in the Kumbh Mela. The land currently reserved for it in Nashik’s development plan covers 337 acres, but authorities are planning to expand the site to nearly 1,380 acres for the 2027 event. The expanded area is intended to respond to an expected increase in the number of seers, akharas and religious groups.
The proposed expansion is being planned along the lines of arrangements made for the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. In addition to the land being acquired, authorities plan to secure more land from farmers through leases. That model has faced resistance from a section of farmers, and some landowners have approached the Bombay High Court against the proposed lease arrangement.
The legal challenge has not stopped the acquisition of land already reserved for Sadhugram. Officials said that process is continuing according to schedule, while the land measurement and subsequent compensation negotiations remain the next steps for the 191.2-acre parcel.
