Maharashtra Orders Probe Into Nashik Ring Road Alignment
The state says the inquiry will determine if deliberate route changes and recent land deals produced insider gains that could disrupt Kumbh Mela preparations.
Overview
- Opposition MLA Vijay Wadettiwar told the state assembly on Thursday that the ring road alignment was changed to benefit specific people and companies and that farmers were pressured during land measurement.
- Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced a high-level committee will probe alignment changes and scrutinise land purchases made in the project area over the past three years.
- Reports give conflicting deadlines for the inquiry, with some outlets saying the committee must report within three days and others reporting a 15-day timeframe.
- The government has promised no forcible acquisitions, said farmers will be consulted and compensated under the law, and warned that officials found responsible will face action up to escalation to the Chief Secretary.
- The ring road is tied to Nashik's upcoming Kumbh Mela, raising urgency for results that could affect project timing, local landowners' rights, and accountability for MSRDC and district officials.