Kumbh Mela - Route for Sahi Snan to be widened

NASHIK: Around 400  plus owners at Sardar Chowk on the Shahi Marg were issued notices for widening the stretch for the Kumbh mela however, they have opposed the move of the civic and district administrations.During the last Kumbh in 2003, many people were killed in a stampede at Sardar chowk on the Shahi Marg.The survey took place six months ago and was jointly measured by the land acquisition department of the district and civic officials.Existing width of the 3-km Shahi Marg from Tapovan to Ramkund ranges from 4.5m to 6m at different locations as the road is uneven. The route is to be widened to 9m, 12m and 15m depending upon the requirement. property owners, say, "It is being claimed that the stampede took place due to the narrow roads in fact it was due to the administrative mismanagement .An eye witness of the 2003 stampede, they used to stay in Golwada at Sardar Chowk where the stampede happened. they saw it all. they have shifted from the place since then but oppose the civic and the district administrations' move to demolish the structures to widen the road. but many say the route had to be widened for safety purpose. but, the sadhus are not ready to use the alternative Shahi Marg as it passes in front of a crematorium.