With drought cvondition becoming severe in Maharashtra, Ramkund, the sacred bathing ghat on Godavari river here, has dried up for the first time in last 139 years resulting in religious rituals almost coming to halt.
Ramkund has dried up as water stock in Gangapur Dam has gone down due to severe drought and scanty rainfall last year.
"Ramkund has gone dry after 139 years as irrigation authorities stopped releasing water (from Gangapur dam) into the river as keeping water for drinking is their first priority now," said Devang Jani of Godapremi Urban Action Committee.
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Interestingly, 'Gandhi Talao', a small pond located few metres from Ramkund, has water flowing into it though supply to Ramkund is stopped.
Jani said inadequate rainfall since past three years only aggravated the situation.
Rituals like performing 'shradh' and immersion of ash of dead are traditionally performed at Ramkund. However, the unprecedented situation has led to their suspension.
Meanwhile, Satish Shuka, president of Nashik Purohit Sangh (priests' organisation), has requested the district administration to release water from dam so that devotees can perform rituals and also take a dip which is considered holy as per scriptures.
Kumbh Mela, the largest religious congregation of Hindus held once in twelve years at different spots, was held in Nashik only last year.
Jani said the civic corporation is mulling to dig borewells near Ramkund with the hope to fill it with water.
However, this move is opposed by environmentalists.
Gangapur dam, the main source of water for the city, now has only 27 per cent of total stock at 1512 tmcft.
