Nashik: Although extensive efforts are being made to take the planning of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela to be held in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to the global level, there is doubt about the expected funds from the central and state governments for infrastructure works. While there is a possibility of getting a fund of ₹10,000 crore from both governments, the question of how the remaining work will be done has arisen before the administration, as only 10 per cent of the funds have been received so far. Many government departments are waiting for funds.

Funds not received for the plan of ₹10,000 crore

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is set to begin in October next year. A plan of ₹15,000 crore was prepared for this Kumbh Mela. Although its proposal was presented in the monsoon session, the funds have not been made available yet. Due to this, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started preparations to take a loan of ₹300 crore.

The remaining funds will be raised from the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund. For this, industries, banks, and commercial institutions will be appealed to. Administrative sources said that the Municipal Corporation has to find alternative ways to raise funds as there is currently not much money in the state treasury and, due to the lack of sufficient funds from the central government, the attention of the administration and citizens is on when the expected funds will be available from the central and state governments.

Thoughts on focusing on CSR

"Various government departments had expressed an expectation of at least ₹10,000 crore from the central and state governments for Simhastha. However, the government has so far disbursed only 10 per cent of the funds. Funds will be obtained from CSR for infrastructure and similar planning. Most of the work is expected to be done under CSR. Instructions have been given to submit the list in this regard within two days," said Karishma Nair, Commissioner and Simhastha In-charge.