Did MP Government Just Repeal the Land Pooling Scheme for Simhastha 2028 Infrastructure?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Madhya Pradesh government has repealed the land pooling scheme for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028.
- There was significant criticism from farmer organizations leading to this decision.
- The initiative aimed for a substantial investment to develop permanent infrastructure.
- The Simhastha Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years, making this decision critical for upcoming preparations.
- Local governance and community relations are crucial for successful development projects.
Bhopal, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh government has officially repealed the land pooling scheme that was aimed at creating lasting infrastructure for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 in Ujjain.
In a notification issued late Tuesday, the state confirmed the complete cancellation of the proposed urban development policy by the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA).
Following backlash from the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), who accused the government of misleading farmers via a recent notification attempting to amend the scheme, this decision comes as a response to mounting criticism.
Farmer organizations had threatened to initiate a significant protest on December 26.
Recently, the BKS, an organization aligned with the RSS, indicated that during talks with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and government representatives on November 17, it was agreed that the land pooling scheme would be revoked.
However, they stated that the subsequent notification created further complications.
Initially introduced in 2024, the scheme was designed to transform the Simhastha area into a permanent Kumbh city with an expected investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
This initiative included plans for essential infrastructure such as roads, accommodations for saints and akhadas, electrical networks, underground drainage systems, hospitals, and government services.
Up until now, the state has depended on temporary infrastructure for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years in Ujjain.
Yadav, an MLA from Ujjain, viewed the land pooling initiative as a significant project to elevate the city into a prominent pilgrimage site.