Executive Summary
The Government of India has accelerated conservation and development works at heritage monuments in Nashik to prepare for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. Led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra State Archaeology Department, these projects focus on restoring 11 centrally protected monuments and several state-level sites. No delays or fund shortages have been identified, with works expected to be completed through coordinated inter-agency efforts ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Key Points / Main Content
ASI Conservation Projects
The ASI is managing 11 Centrally Protected Monuments in Nashik district, all currently in a good state of preservation.
There are 4 ongoing and 12 proposed projects targeting major sites such as Trimbakeshwar Temple, Pandavlena Caves, Anjaneri, Zodga, and Ankai Caves.
Specific works include the conservation of temple gateways, heritage illumination, scientific preservation, and landscaping.
State-Level Initiatives
The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (Maharashtra) is conserving 6 unprotected heritage structures in Nashik and 8 in Trimbakeshwar.
Restoration is specifically progressing at the state-protected Kushavart Kund.
The state department is implementing 16 heritage and pilgrim amenity projects with a total tender value of ₹39.51 crore, including works at Naroshankar Temple and Bilva Tirtha.
Infrastructure and Visitor Amenities
Over 20 projects have been completed in the last five years, focusing on pathways, drainage, sanitation, and retaining walls.
Enhanced visitor facilities now include multilingual information boards, drinking water, toilets, CCTV surveillance, and first-aid services.
Administrative Status
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed there are no administrative bottlenecks or shortages of funds.
A coordination mechanism is active between the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority, the ASI, and state departments to ensure timely completion.
Impact Analysis
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)Impact
Responsible for the preservation of 11 central monuments and the execution of 16 specific conservation and infrastructure projects.
Action Required
Oversee the completion of 4 ongoing and 12 proposed projects, ensuring scientific conservation standards are met.
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of MaharashtraImpact
Tasked with the restoration of state-protected and unprotected heritage sites and managing projects valued at ₹39.51 crore.
Action Required
Implement restoration works at Kushavart Kund and 14 other heritage structures across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela AuthorityImpact
Serves as the primary coordinating body between central and state agencies.
Action Required
Maintain active coordination with the ASI and the State Archaeology Department to prevent delays and ensure site readiness for the 2027 event.
Tourists and PilgrimsImpact
Beneficiaries of improved infrastructure, including better sanitation, safety through CCTV, and enhanced information services.
Action Required
Utilize the newly provided amenities and follow guidance provided on multilingual information boards at the monuments.
Key Entities Referenced
Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027: The major religious gathering in Nashik serving as the primary catalyst for accelerated heritage conservation and infrastructure development.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The central agency responsible for implementing conservation, restoration, and visitor amenity projects at 11 centrally protected monuments.
Nashik District: The central geographical scope of the conservation works, including specific heritage sites like Trimbakeshwar, Pandavlena Caves, and Anjaneri.
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra: The state department executing heritage conservation and pilgrim amenity projects at state-protected and unprotected structures.
Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority: The specialized coordinating body ensuring inter-agency cooperation for the timely completion of heritage and infrastructure projects.
Ministry of Culture
Heritage Conservation Works Intensified in
Nashik Ahead of ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 ’
11 ASI-Protected Monuments in Under Conservation
प्रव तथ: 27 JUL 2026 7:18PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai : 27 July 2026
The Government has accelerated conservation, restoration and development works
at heritage temples and archaeological monuments in Nashik district in preparation
for the forthcoming ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.’ The Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI) and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of
Maharashtra, are implementing a series of projects.
There are 11 Centrally Protected Monuments under the care and maintenance of the
Archaeological Survey of India in Nashik district, all of which are in a good state of
preservation. Conservation works are undertaken based on the requirements of
individual monuments and the availability of resources.
Ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, the ASI has taken up 4 ongoing and 12
proposed conservation projects at major heritage sites, including the Trimbakeshwar
Temple, adjoining Gayatri and Shiv Temples, Pandavlena Caves, Anjaneri, Zodga
and Ankai Caves. The proposed works include conservation of temple gateways,
heritage illumination, visitor amenities, landscaping, scientific conservation and
infrastructure improvement.
The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, is also
undertaking conservation works at 6 unprotected heritage structures in Nashik and
8 in Trimbakeshwar, while restoration of the State-protected Kushavart Kund is
progressing as part of the preparations for the Kumbh Mela.
Over the past five years, the ASI has executed more than 20 conservation and
development projects across protected monuments in Nashik district. These include
temple conservation, development of tourist amenities, pathways, retaining walls,
drainage systems, sanitation facilities and scientific preservation works. Visitor
facilities such as multilingual information boards, drinking water, toilets, benches,
garbage bins, CCTV surveillance and first-aid services have also been provided at
major monuments.
The Government has informed that no delays, shortage of funds or administrative
bottlenecks have been identified in the execution of these conservation projects.
The Maharashtra State Archaeology Department is implementing 16 heritage
conservation and pilgrim amenity projects with a total tender value of ₹39.51 crorein connection with the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. These include
conservation works at Naroshankar Temple, Kushavart Kund, Bilva Tirtha, Prayag
Tirtha and several other important heritage sites.
Necessary coordination is being maintained among the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar
Simhastha Kumbh Mela Authority, the Archaeological Survey of India, the
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra and other
concerned agencies to ensure timely completion of these projects.
This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a reply to an Unstarred Question in the Lok Sabha
today.
PIB Mumbai | Nitin Fulluke/ Priti Malandkar
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