Maha govt to restrict VIP movement to Nashik Kumbh

Heeding to a direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Maharashtra government has virtually banned VIP movement to the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Nashik during the days of 'royal bath' when tens of thousands of devotees will converge there to take holy dip.

The decision also assumes significance in view of the stampede on the opening day of the Godavari Pushkaram in Andhra Pradesh earlier this week, which claimed 27 lives.

There will be "no VIP or VVIP movement" in Nashik during the days of 'royal bath' at the ongoing Kumbh Mela to ensure that seers and devotees do not face any inconvenience, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan told the state Legislative Council today.

Mahajan, also the guardian minister of Nashik, said when the Prime Minister was invited to take part in the 'royal bath' event, he directed the state government to ensure that there is no VIP or VVIP movement in the area during that period.

"The intention was that devotees should be able to take part in the event without there being fears of law and order problem as crores of people are expected to be in Nashik during these days," Mahajan said in reply to a Calling Attention Motion in the House.

The dates for 'shahi snan' (royal bath), when seers of various 'akharas' (sects of sadhus) will converge and take dip in the river in large numbers in Trimbakeshwar and Nashik, are August 29, September 13, 18 and 25.

Replying to the motion by Jayantrao Jadhav (NCP), Mahajan said, "The government has made arrangements for all basic amenities and is also trying to make separate living space available for female seers."

He admitted that a part of the food grains alloted to Nashik in view of the event had not reached the place but an inquiry would be ordered to asecrtain what caused the delay.

Regarding the allegation that favouritism had been shown in providing staying facilities for seers, the minister said the government only provided the land for their living and it was the seers themselves who created the camping facilities according to their needs.