Anti-encroachment drive starts in Trimbakeshwar

Nashik: The Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council (TMC) on Sunday launched an encroachment removal drive to ensure the streets are free from any kind of impediments for the pilgrims who will be coming to the temple town, especially during the Simhastha Kumbh.The action is expected to ease movement, decongest key routes and ensure safer and smoother pedestrian access for devotees and the residents. The encroached structures -- including temporary stalls and unauthorised shops -- along the key roads and around the temple significantly narrowed pathways led to congestion and difficulties for the devotees.The footfall, usually during the auspicious days itself, is more than the population of the town, and during yatras it is multiple times more."This (the drive) has been launched in view of the developmental works to be taken in the town. It has been decided to get the roads and streets encroachment-free. This also paves the way for the development of the proposed Darshan Path, a critical infrastructure initiative for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The aim is to facilitate a streamlined, safe and well-managed darshan experience through improved pathways and supporting infrastructure," Govind Jadhav, chief officer of the council, said. Another council official said the action was being opposed by a select number of people claiming that they have set-ups for the past many years.