Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan today said making Godavari river pollution-free before beginning Kumbh Mela in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is the priority of the state government.
"The government will also ensure that adequate funds are available for the event (scheduled later this year)," Mahajan said after addressing a meeting here.
He said the government is conducting a study on "effective crowd management" for Kumbh Mela and has roped in experts and technology for the purpose.
At least 35 pilgrims were killed and scores of others were injured in a stampede during the 2003 Kumbh in Nashik.
District Collector Vilas Patil said works related to widening and connecting of roads to Trimbakeshwar, 28 km from here, are in progress.
"Besides, machinery is being installed at 'Kushavarta' (a sacred pond) in Trimbakeshwar, which has the capacity to purify one lakh litre of water in an hour," Patil added.
Mahajan later visited temple of Lord Shiva at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district.
He alleged that the scam in the water resources department during the previous Congress-NCP regime was deep rooted.
"Contractors paid commission of 10-12 per cent," he added.
