MP govt seeks CSR support for Simhastha services

Indore/Ujjain: In line with its vision of making Simhastha 2028 a grand global spectacle, the Madhya Pradesh govt has now sought Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from industries for key services during the pilgrimage in Ujjain, with the overall requirement for identified facilities estimated at over Rs 200 crore.

More than 10 industrial groups have already given in-principle consent to participate, with more expected to join.

The proposed CSR-backed works span drinking water, sanitation, energy and public utilities. This includes about 500 water ATMs at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore, sanitation infrastructure such as 1.5 lakh mobile toilets and urinals costing about Rs 50 crore, and 2,000 changing rooms for women at ghats estimated at another Rs 6 crore. Barricading alone is expected to cost around Rs 100 crore, while directional signages are pegged at about Rs 20 crore, according to officials privy to plans.

Additional requirements include hybrid solar lighting, 3,000 mobile charging stations and 500 EV charging points, estimated at around Rs 47.5 crore. Waste management infrastructure such as dustbins, along with volunteer kits including caps, T-shirts and ID cards, and support for temporary medical facilities and river cleaning, are also part of the plan.

“We have identified key works to be taken up under CSR, including barricading, signages, changing rooms, temporary toilets and water ATMs. The aim is to give an opportunity to industries interested in participating in such a mega-magnitude event. Multiple companies can also come together to contribute to a single activity, and industries will be allowed branding opportunities,” Ujjain collector Roshan Kumar Singh told TOI, adding that industries from across MP were being invited to participate.

Dedicated groups will be formed based on areas of interest, with officials assigned for coordination and follow-ups, including visits to company headquarters.

“Many industries have shown interest and discussions are on regarding how they can contribute to different components under CSR,” said Rajesh Rathod, executive director, Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, Ujjain.

With an estimated footfall of about 30-35 crore devotees, Simhastha 2028 is being positioned as both a major logistical exercise and a significant CSR opportunity for corporates.
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