Kumbh Mela Authority starts construction activities in akhadas

Nashik: The Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority has begun construction work across the premises of 10 akhadas (traditional order of sadhus) of the Naga Sadhus as part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The municipal council is serving as the implementing agency for these works, which include pavements, construction activities and other essential amenities."The works have now begun in Trimbakeshwar. The main ceremony was conducted at Juna Akhada's Mahamandaleshwar Nagar in Pimpalad. Each akhada will receive development works worth Rs 75 lakh," water resources minister Girish Mahajan said.These facilities are being created to support the ascetics and the large influx of pilgrims expected to stay at the akhadas during the Amrut Snan period from July to Sept 2027 — a time marked by heavy rainfall in the region. "The first phase of development includes setting up a flag hoist, constructing concrete paving inside the premises to allow multi-purpose use and creating shelters or tent spaces as needed. Additional works include building toilet blocks, drainage networks, water supply systems and other basic infrastructure," an official said.Officials said these works were part of the preliminary phase, and more activities would be sanctioned and initiated soon. The Shaivite sadhus traditionally take their holy dip at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar, and a large number of sadhus and followers are expected to stay in the Akhadas throughout the auspicious period.Construction tasks also involve creating internal roads, depending on local requirements. Since some akhadas already have flag hoists and concrete pavements, they have requested that the allotted funds be used instead for building kitchens and compound walls.Authorities said these proposals were under review and would be addressed. A second phase of development would be taken up subsequently, they added. "There is increasing demand for halls or dormitories to accommodate people, especially as the Kumbh period here falls in the monsoon season, unlike other Kumbh venues where the event takes place in dry weather," another official said.