NTKMA, GSI to launch seismic study in Trimbakeshwar; fresh landslide assessment planned ahead of Simhastha Kumbh 2027
Nashik, July 27
In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority and the Geological Survey of India have finalised a roadmap for landslide mitigation and seismic assessment in Trimbakeshwar. The roadmap was finalised during a review meeting chaired by NTKMA Commissioner Shekhar Singh with senior officials of the Geological Survey of India.
As part of the plan, GSI will undertake a three-month seismic study in Trimbakeshwar by deploying five seismic monitoring stations. The study will generate scientific data on seismic activity in the region, supporting safer infrastructure planning and long-term disaster risk reduction measures ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. NTKMA will facilitate identification of suitable sites for the monitoring stations, provide accommodation for GSI personnel and extend necessary logistical support.
The meeting also decided that GSI will conduct a fresh inspection of landslide-prone locations in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar during the first fortnight of August. The assessment will help identify vulnerable areas and recommend appropriate mitigation measures to enhance pilgrim safety.
To streamline coordination, it was agreed that all communication with GSI regarding landslide mitigation and geological studies will be routed through a single nodal channel, enabling faster decision-making and improved inter-agency coordination. NTKMA will also provide updated landslide data, including GPS coordinates and field photographs, to support GSI's technical assessment.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Bibhas Sen, Deputy Director General, GSI State Unit; Mego Chasie, Director, GSI State Unit; Sabir Pathan, Director, GSI Regional Office, Nagpur; Akshay Joshi, Geophysicist, GSI Regional Office, Nagpur; and Kamlakar Randive, Additional Commissioner, NTKMA.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While this is a welcome move, I'm a bit skeptical about the timeline. Three months of seismic study is short for a major project like Kumbh. Also, we need to ensure the recommendations are actually implemented, not just filed away. But yes, any step towards pilgrim safety is good.
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Finally, some scientific approach for our religious gatherings! 🙌 Last time during Simhastha in Ujjain, the crowd management was a mess. At least now they're thinking about geology and disaster mitigation. Shukar hai GSI is involved. Let's hope the data leads to real action.
I appreciate the effort but wish they had started this earlier. 2027 is not far away. Also, what about the environmental impact of setting up monitoring stations in a sensitive landscape like Trimbakeshwar? Hope they do this sustainably.
Great coordination between NTKMA and GSI! Waha ke logon ke liye bahut important hai yeh step. Trimbakeshwar ke aas-paas landslide ka khatra hamesha rehta hai. But I hope they also focus on the smaller temples and local settlements, not just Kumbh infrastructure.
Single nodal channel for communication is a good decision. Bhai sahab, bureaucracy mein delays hote rehte hain. At least now there's one point of contact. But I'm waiting to see if they actually release the GPS coordinates and data publicly for researchers to use.