The Times of India                  11.05.2013

Plans worth Rs 2,060 crore approved for Kumbh

NASHIK: The state government's high powered committee (HPC) for Kumbh arrangements on Friday cleared projects worth Rs 2,060.44 crore to be used for the 2015-16 religious event.

The panel, headed by chief secretary Jayantkumar Banthiya, also asked the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the other concerned departments to contribute their share of the funds.

The committee, including additional secretaries and secretaries toured areas in Tapovan, where Sadhu Gram, Shahi Marg (route taken by sadhus from Tapovan to Godavari for the holy dip) and Ram Ghat (where the rituals are performed) are to be created. They also held a two-hour meeting at the Government Guest House to consider proposals worth Rs 4,834.49 crore and identified priority works worth Rs 2,060.44 crore. Major portion of the work will be executed by the NMC with an expenditure of Rs 1,031.91 crore.

"After much deliberation, the HPC finally approved the proposal. It will now be sent to the apex committee chaired by the chief minister for final approval. Thereafter, provision for the funds will be made and allocated to the respective departments," Banthiya said. He added that the NMC and district administration would decide on the process for land acquisition.

The HPC has allocated Rs 200 crore to the civic body for land acquisition and an additional Rs 40 crore for taking 278 acres of land at Nashik and 30 acres of land at Trimbakeshwar on lease from the farmers to be used during Kumbh.

However, Banthiya said that no decision is taken regarding the Kumbh Mela Act like the one existing in Allahabad. The apex committee headed by the chief minister would discuss the issue, he added.

The committee also decided to set up a technical unit under the executive committee for all the construction work. "There was a demand for an executive engineer. He and his team will assist the collectorate to look after construction work. We have decided to arrange for officials on deputation basis," Banthia said.

The committee also asked the departments to contribute. "In the Kumbh mela 2003-04, the state government gave Rs 75 crore and Central government gave Rs 100 crore of the total Rs 448 crore. The government agencies had given the rest of the Rs 273 crore. We will follow the same procedure " a senior official said.