Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Chavan Demands Transparency on ₹35,000 Crore Nashik Kumbh Project
Prithviraj Chavan wants the Maharashtra government to explain how it plans to spend nearly ₹35,000 crore on the Nashik Kumbh Mela.
He says the government should publish its detailed project report.
This report would show what will be built, who will build it and how much it will cost.
He said Congress does not oppose spending money on the event.
However, he believes the unusually large amount requires careful public checking.
He also wants studies about the projects’ effects on the environment and society.
Chavan questioned why a separate minister was appointed for the Kumbh Mela.
He asked for an independent investigation into deaths allegedly connected to bad roads in Nashik.
The event is scheduled to run from October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded public disclosure of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela’s detailed project report.
He sought information on planned works, contractors, agencies, tendering procedures and proposed expenditure.
Chavan said Congress was not opposed to public spending on the religious and cultural event but wanted complete transparency.
He requested public environmental and social impact assessments and questioned the appointment of a separate Kumbh Mela minister.
Chavan also sought an independent probe into alleged road-related deaths in Nashik and asked that a proposed ring-road alignment be disclosed.
- Who
- Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan made the demands, directed at the Maharashtra government.
- What
- He called for public disclosure of the Kumbh Mela project report, spending plans, contractors, impact assessments and related administrative decisions.
- When
- Chavan made the demands on Friday; the Kumbh Mela is scheduled for October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028.
- Where
- The projects concern the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar area in Maharashtra, while Chavan addressed a press conference in Mumbai.
- Why
- He said the nearly ₹35,000 crore allocation is much larger than funding for previous events and therefore requires transparency and scrutiny.
- Project
- Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela
- Sanctioned amount
- Nearly ₹35,000 crore
- Event dates
- October 31, 2026, to July 24, 2028
- Requested disclosure
- Detailed project report, planned works, agencies, contractors, award procedures and expenditure
- Requested assessments
- Environmental and social impact assessments
- Additional demand
- An independent Special Investigation Team probe into deaths allegedly linked to poorly maintained, pothole-ridden roads in Nashik
- Infrastructure issue
- Chavan said a ring road was necessary but its proposed alignment and plan should be made public before finalisation