The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela authority has asked the Shree Saptashrung Niwasini Devi Trust to arrange social responsibility funds for a wet waste management plant at Saptashrungi Gad, as preparations intensify for large pilgrim crowds across the region.
Kumbh authority commissioner Shekhar Singh said the request was made during a meeting involving government departments and the Saptashrungi trust. The meeting focused on micro-level plans for crowd control, traffic management, drinking water, sanitation, waste disposal, health services and the availability of essential amenities.
The proposal comes as state expenditure for Kumbh Mela preparedness has exceeded Rs34,700 crore. Singh said social responsibility funds would be sourced for wet waste management at Saptashrungi Gad as required. The site, located in Nashik district’s Kalwan taluka, is a major pilgrimage destination that attracts large numbers of devotees.
The trust administration has been asked to compile baseline data on waste generation before the system is designed. The data will be used to determine the size and number of waste bins, collection vehicles, temporary storage facilities and scientific disposal units required at the hill shrine.
Singh said officials were preparing a detailed plan in coordination with major religious sites across the region. The planning recognises that many devotees visiting the core Nashik-Trimbakeshwar area may also travel to Saptashrungi Gad. Officials have been asked to use the annual Navaratri experience as a reference while preparing for a larger turnout, including by arranging additional manpower, vehicles and equipment.
The meeting also examined measures for movement and emergency response around Vani, Nanduri and the Gad area. These include dedicated routes for fire tenders and ambulances, separate parking areas, shuttle facilities and adequate drinking water. The authorities are yet to determine the specific arrangements for these facilities.
The Public Works Department has proposed nine infrastructure projects for Saptashrungi Gad, and officials have been directed to prioritise them. The meeting was attended by trust chairperson and joint charity commissioner Vivek Sonune, along with officials from the Nashik Zilla Parishad, the Public Works Department and other government departments.
