The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) Chief Shekhar Singh yesterday sat with around 150 officials from the revenue, police, urban development, PWD and other departments to chalk out a foolproof strategy for the flag hoisting ceremony of Kumbh Mela, on October 31. Singh exhorted the departmental heads to ensure close coordination among them while executing tasks for the event.
Besides, the officials were asked to get their ducks in a row for a grand Godavari Aarti, various official programs in which Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) are expected to participate. Singh directed that each department should recognise their responsibilities and proactively complete the tasks. The NTKMA Commissioner went on to instruct that by October 20 each department needs to put in place meticulous planning covering security, traffic, parking, infrastructure, health services, water supply, and sanitation.
Nashik City Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Special IG (Nashik Range) Sanjay Yenpure, Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, District Collector Ayush Prasad, Zilla Parishad CEO Omkar Pawar, Superintendent of Police Dr D S Swami, Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer Arundhati Sharma, Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Rajesh Govardhane, PWD Superintending Engineer Devendra Pawar, Joint Director of Accounts and Treasury Babulal Patil, Additional Collector Hemangi Patil, Kumbh Mela Additional Commissioner Kamlakar Randive, Deputy Commissioner (Planning) Yogendra Chaudhary, and Deputy Director of Health Services Dr Kapil Aher.
Security, Traffic, and Infrastructure
Singh emphasized that meticulous planning for security arrangements was essential, given the expected arrival of VVIPs. “The police must take care of the security, crowd management, barricading, and issuance of security passes. Traffic department should coordinate effectively on vehicle movement, parking arrangements, traffic control, and VVIP routes. Field inspections of the venue should be conducted to finalize the necessary locations,” Singh said.
The PWD department has been asked to make proper arrangement of infrastructure, including the dais, helipad, barricading, and other amenities. Arrangements for electricity, lighting of temples, water supply, and sanitation must be completed on schedule. Medical teams should be deployed to ensure the health and well-being of the devotees, and arrangements for rest areas should also be planned. The Commissioner directed that necessary facilities be made available in a timely manner for the convenience of devotees, keeping in mind the potential for large crowds at the venue.
Focus on Planning Various Events
The meeting also reviewed preparations for upcoming events including a special Gram Sabha in Trimbakeshwar on October 17, the ‘Har Ghar Kumbhadhwaj’ initiative on October 20, the ‘Shankhanad’ event (aiming for a Guinness World Record) on October 25, and the Gram Parikrama (village circumambulation) along with a joint inspection on October 30.
At the meeting, a review was conducted regarding the arrangements at the flagstaff, Ramtirth, Kushavarta Tirtha, the temple premises, and the new ghat area. “Check the height of the flagstaff, venue decoration, decorative lighting, and necessary infrastructure,” Singh said. It was noted that the flag-hoisting ceremony is scheduled for 12:02 pm; consequently, plans must be made for citizens’ entry, traffic flow, and crowd management in anticipation of the evening program.
Special IG Sanjay Yenpure issued necessary instructions regarding security arrangements, while Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik provided guidelines for security deployment. Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri gave instructions concerning the cleanliness of the Ramtirth and preparations for the Godavari Aarti.
District Collector Ayush Prasad outlined the preparatory tasks to be undertaken by various departments. DCP Monica Raut presented details regarding traffic routes, traffic control, and parking management. Officials rom various departments briefed the meeting on the preparations made and measures taken in accordance with their assigned responsibilities.
