Nashik Municipal Corporation has sought a 25% increase in the city’s reserved water quota for the period leading up to the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, citing higher civic demand and the expected arrival of millions of pilgrims. The proposal seeks 8,005 million cubic feet (MCFT), compared with the 6,400 MCFT allocated to Nashik in the previous cycle.
The proposal was submitted to the district administration for the reservation period from October 15, 2026, to August 31, 2027. Its final allocation is expected to be decided at a meeting chaired by district guardian minister Girish Mahajan next week.
NMC’s routine requirement during the period has been estimated at 7,370 MCFT. The civic body has sought an additional 635 MCFT specifically for the Kumbh Mela, when large numbers of pilgrims and sadhus are expected to stay in the city.
“We have sought around 8,000 MCFT of water considering the city’s requirements as well as the increased demand expected during the Kumbh Mela next year. The proposal has already been submitted to the district administration for approval,” Ravindra Dharankar, superintending engineer of NMC’s water supply department, told The Times of India.
Under the proposed allocation, 5,505 MCFT would come from the Gangapur dam complex, 2,270 MCFT from Mukane dam and 230 MCFT from Darna dam. Gangapur currently supplies nearly 80% of Nashik’s water needs.
NMC’s proposed quota is higher than its actual consumption in the previous cycle. Although the civic body was allocated 6,400 MCFT for 2025-26, its recorded consumption stood at 6,061 MCFT. The new request therefore includes both the city’s projected routine requirement and a separate provision for the temporary increase associated with the religious gathering.
The largest additional demand is expected to come from the proposed 1,400-acre Sadhugram, where around 10 lakh sadhus are expected to stay. Civic officials have estimated that the camp alone could require 140 million litres of water a day.
NMC has also projected an additional requirement of 160 million litres per day for the wider influx of pilgrims. Between eight crore and 10 crore pilgrims are expected to attend the religious congregation, according to the civic body’s projections.
Preparations for the event are expected to intensify after the Dhwajarohan ceremony scheduled for October 31, which will formally mark the start of Simhastha Kumbh activities. The three Amrit Snans are scheduled between August and September 2027.
The enhanced reservation has been proposed to maintain uninterrupted water supply for Nashik’s residents while meeting the temporary demand generated by the Kumbh Mela. The district administration’s decision next week will determine the final water allocation for the reservation cycle.
