Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday directed officials to ensure that all infrastructure projects for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 are completed on time and to the highest standards, news agency PTI reported.
At a review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Fadnavis emphasised that the Nashik Ring Road project must be expedited, while land acquisition for Sadhu Gram (tent city) should progress at full pace, a statement from his office read.
Highlighting that the Kumbh Mela is a symbol of religious faith and cultural tradition, the CM assured that the Godavari River water at Ramkund and other areas would remain clean during the mega event, PTI reported. Priority should be given to sewage and sanitation works, while facilities at airports and railway stations must be ready in time, he added.
Fadnavis directed that funds be sanctioned immediately for essential works and said that facilities at Sadhu Gram should be finalised in consultation with Akhadas (religious sects).
The CM also ordered the installation of a centralised CCTV system, deployment of AI-based monitoring solutions, and rollout of a `Digital Kumbh` initiative for promotion of the event, PTI reported. He further directed that government departments issue timely clarifications to counter any negative publicity related to the Mela.
Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also underlined the need to complete all works swiftly without compromising quality.
The meeting was attended by ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dada Bhuse, and Girish Mahajan, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, and local Member of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), the release said.
Withdraw GR on Kunbi certificates, OBC outfits demand in meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
Other Backward Classes (OBC) organisations on Saturday opposed the government resolution (GR) related to Kunbi certificates for the Maratha community during a meeting convened by Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, calling for its withdrawal, reported news agency PTI.
The meeting was held at Sahayadri Guest House in Mumbai.
The OBC outfits said the GR, issued on September 2 following a five-day stir by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange at Azad Maidan, was detrimental to their community’s interests. They also demanded a `white paper` detailing all caste certificates and caste validity certificates issued in the state since 2014.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who attended the meeting, said the state-wide OBC march scheduled for October 10 would proceed as planned, despite some sections of the ruling dispensation wanting it postponed, reported PTI.
“The government has not given any positive response to two major demands — the withdrawal of the Government Resolution issued on September 2 and publication of a white paper on the issuance of caste certificates since 2014. The united OBC community protest march will take place on October 10,” he said.
CM Fadnavis assured the attendees that the state government is committed to delivering justice to every community within the legal framework and that no group, including OBCs, would face injustice, PTI reported.
(With PTI inputs)
