States » WestPosted at: Oct 5 2026 2:08PM


Cong leader Gopal Tiwari calls for simple Nashik Kumbh Mela amid drought conditions

Pune, Oct 5 (UNI) Senior Maharashtra Pradesh Congress spokesperson Gopal Tiwari has urged the state government to organise the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik simply, citing the prevailing drought and water scarcity across Maharashtra.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Tiwari said that the funds saved by avoiding extravagant arrangements for the Kumbh Mela should instead be utilised for supporting farmers, protecting agriculture and improving water management.
Tiwari pointed out that the state government had initially declared drought in 265 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas for the 2026 kharif season on September 25, based on the Trigger-1 criteria under the Drought Management Code, 2016.
According to recent reports, the Cabinet sub-committee subsequently decided on September 30 to include another 43 talukas, taking the total number of drought-affected talukas to 308.
"If 308 out of 358 talukas are affected by drought, nearly 90 per cent of the state is facing drought-like conditions," Tiwari said.
He said the Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin in Nashik from October 31, should therefore be conducted with restraint, keeping the water crisis, difficulties faced by farmers and the state's financial situation in mind.
Tiwari also demanded that the Mahayuti government convene an urgent two-day special session or an all-party meeting, including opposition parties, to discuss the arrangements for the Kumbh Mela and the state's water situation.
He further called for the seriousness of Maharashtra's water crisis to be highlighted at the national level.
According to Tiwari, while financial resources could potentially be obtained from the Centre or other sources, water cannot be created overnight.
The large-scale requirement of water for rituals and other activities at the Godavari river in Nashik and the Kushavart Kund at Trimbakeshwar must therefore be considered carefully.
He said that with the state's existing reservoir levels and available water resources needing to cater to the resident population, judicious use of water during the Kumbh Mela was an urgent necessity. UNI SP SAS
Tags: #Cong leader Gopal Tiwari calls for simple Nashik Kumbh Mela amid drought conditions
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